New research indicates that individuals who stop using popular weight-loss injections like Mounjaro or Wegovy may regain lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop traditional diet and exercise regimens.
Published data in a leading health publication points out that while obese individuals can lose substantial amounts of their total mass while using the jabs, the mass is regained at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"Individuals using such treatments need to be informed of the risk of fast rebound weight gain when the treatment is stopped," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain suggests a reversion to starting mass in about one and a half years.
Analyzing Approaches
The research, which reviewed 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the outcomes of these new drugs with older methods.
Researchers emphasize that individuals who lose weight through dieting usually have a less rapid creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Quick Rebound
Nutrition scientists suggest the way of the jabs explains the accelerated regain.
These medications mimic a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls hunger.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than normal could lead to the system to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and could reduce responsiveness to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Discontinuation of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to hunger is unsuppressed, making binge eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Issue?
Health authorities advise the injections for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians argue that, considering the likelihood of relapse, the treatment is often long-term.
This perspective is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who state that the results "underscore the chronic character of obesity," similar to managing diseases like hypertension.
User Accounts
Users who have stopped the medication report a powerful resurgence of hunger.
"It felt as if a switch flipping and you become ravenous," recalled an individual.
This difficulty is exacerbated if individuals have not developed sustainable dietary or behavioural modifications during treatment.
Growing Adoption
Figures suggest that millions of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with demand being substantial.
- Adoption is greater among women compared to men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- Many obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, researchers stress that while GLP-1 drugs are effective tools for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent fix and maintained weight loss likely depends on combined behavioural changes.
