Fresh analysis suggests that people who stop using popular weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on shed pounds much more quickly than those who end conventional lifestyle plans.
Research printed in a leading medical journal shows that while overweight people frequently drop about a fifth of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the weight is regained at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"People using such medications need to be aware of the potential of fast weight regain when the therapy is stopped," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery means a return to original mass within about a year and a half.
Weighing Treatments
The analysis, which reviewed 37 of studies involving thousands of participants, compared the outcomes of the injectable medications with other pills.
Researchers note that people who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone typically experience a slower creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
The Reason for the Rapid Rebound
Experts propose the mechanism of the drugs explains the accelerated weight return.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone called GLP-1, which moderates appetite.
"Long-term administration of the hormone levels several times higher than normal may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and could lessen sensitivity to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' means hunger is unsuppressed, making binge eating much more probable."
A Chronic Disease?
Medical guidelines recommend the injections for individuals with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals say that, due to the likelihood of weight regain, the therapy should be considered ongoing.
This opinion is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "emphasize the long-term character of obesity," similar to managing conditions like diabetes.
Patient Experiences
Individuals who have discontinued the medication describe a sudden resurgence of hunger.
"It felt as if a trigger flipping and you become ravenous," described one woman.
This difficulty is exacerbated if patients have not established permanent lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Significant Interest
Figures indicate that millions of adults in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with desire continuing to grow.
- Adoption is more common among women than males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, researchers stress that while these medications are powerful tools for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent fix and lasting health benefits likely depends on ongoing lifestyle management.
