A recent study indicates that individuals who stop using new weight-loss injections like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on shed pounds far faster than those who halt traditional diet and exercise programs.
Research printed in a prominent medical journal demonstrates that while obese people often shed about a fifth of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the mass returns at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"Users using such medications need to be aware of the potential of quick weight regain when the medication is stopped," stated researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery means a return to original mass within about 18 months.
Analyzing Treatments
The analysis, which examined dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the results of the injectable medications with other pills.
Scientists note that people who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone typically have a less rapid creep back—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Fast Regain
Experts propose the mode of action of the drugs is key to understanding the heightened regain.
The injections copy a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls hunger.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 levels several times higher than normal could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and may also reduce responsiveness to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to hunger is unsuppressed, making overeating far more likely."
An Ongoing Condition?
Health authorities suggest the injections for people with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals contend that, due to the likelihood of relapse, the therapy might need to be long-term.
This view is echoed by drug manufacturers, who state that the findings "underscore the chronic character of obesity," comparing it to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Accounts
People who have discontinued the medication describe a sudden resurgence of hunger.
"It felt as if something activating and I was suddenly starving," recalled one woman.
The struggle is exacerbated if users have not established sustainable dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Growing Interest
Recent estimates show that a significant number of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with desire remaining high.
- Use is more common among females compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest usage rates.
- Many obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Ultimately, clinicians emphasize that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful agents for shedding pounds, they are not a magic fix and maintained weight loss relies on integrated lifestyle management.
