A recent study indicates that patients who come off popular weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who end traditional lifestyle programs.
Published data in a leading health publication points out that while overweight individuals often shed about a fifth of their body weight while using the jabs, the weight comes back at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Users buying these drugs need to be informed of the risk of rapid rebound weight gain when the medication concludes," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery implies a return to pre-treatment weight within about 18 months.
Analyzing Treatments
The study, which examined 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the effects of these new drugs with other pills.
Researchers emphasize that individuals who shed pounds through diet and exercise typically have a more gradual weight regain—perhaps 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
The Reason for the Fast Regain
Doctors believe the mode of action of the jabs accounts for the accelerated weight return.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 concentrations far above than normal could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and could reduce sensitivity to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Stopping of this medication results in appetite is unsuppressed, making binge eating far more likely."
A Lifelong Disease?
Medical guidelines recommend the injections for individuals with weight-linked health risks, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals say that, given the high risk of relapse, the therapy might need to be ongoing.
This perspective is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the results "emphasize the long-term nature of excess weight," comparing it to managing diseases like diabetes.
Patient Testimonies
Individuals who have come off the medication explain a sudden return of hunger.
"It was like something flipping and you're instantly starving," recalled a patient.
The struggle is exacerbated if patients have not established lasting dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Growing Adoption
Survey data indicate that a significant number of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with interest being substantial.
- Use is higher among women compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest usage rates.
- Many obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, researchers caution that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful tools for weight loss, they are not a standalone fix and lasting health benefits likely depends on ongoing behavioural changes.
