New research reveals that individuals who come off popular weight-loss injections like Mounjaro or Wegovy tend to recover lost weight much more quickly than those who stop conventional diet and exercise regimens.
Published data in a prominent medical journal shows that while obese people can lose a large proportion of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the weight comes back at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"People buying such medications should be aware of the risk of rapid rebound weight gain when the therapy is stopped," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery implies a reversion to starting weight within about one and a half years.
Weighing Treatments
The study, which reviewed dozens of studies involving thousands of participants, contrasted the effects of the injectable medications with other pills.
Researchers emphasize that individuals who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone generally have a slower creep back—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Fast Regain
Experts propose the mechanism of the jabs accounts for the heightened rebound.
These medications copy a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing the hormone concentrations far above than normal could lead to the body to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and may also diminish responsiveness to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement results in appetite is no longer kept in check, making overeating far more likely."
A Chronic Disease?
Health authorities suggest the jabs for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by recommended lifestyle changes.
Many experts say that, considering the high risk of weight regain, the treatment might need to be ongoing.
This opinion is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who note that the results "highlight the long-term nature of obesity," akin to managing conditions like diabetes.
Patient Experiences
Users who have stopped the medication describe a sudden resurgence of cravings.
"It was like a trigger that goes on and I was suddenly extremely hungry," described one woman.
This challenge is worsened if users have not developed permanent lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Significant Interest
Recent estimates indicate that millions of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with demand continuing to grow.
- Use is more common among women than men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
In conclusion, experts caution that while these medications are effective tools for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone fix and long-term success relies on ongoing lifestyle management.
