Fresh analysis reveals that patients who stop using popular weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on lost weight much more quickly than those who stop traditional lifestyle plans.
Published data in a major health publication points out that while obese people can lose about a fifth of their total mass while using the jabs, the mass comes back at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Users buying such medications must be cognizant of the risk of rapid weight regain when the medication is stopped," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain suggests a return to starting mass within about 18 months.
Analyzing Approaches
The study, which reviewed dozens of studies involving thousands of participants, compared the outcomes of the injectable medications with other pills.
The team point out that people who lose weight through dieting usually experience a less rapid weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Fast Regain
Doctors believe the mode of action of the jabs is key to understanding the heightened regain.
GLP-1 drugs copy a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which moderates feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of the hormone levels far above than normal could lead to the system to produce less of its own natural hormone, and could diminish responsiveness to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement leads to hunger is uncontrolled, making overeating a significant risk."
A Chronic Disease?
Medical guidelines recommend the jabs for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals say that, given the likelihood of weight regain, the treatment might need to be long-term.
This view is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who note that the findings "highlight the long-term character of excess weight," akin to managing conditions like hypertension.
User Accounts
Users who have stopped the medication describe a sudden resurgence of hunger.
"It felt as if a switch activating and you're instantly extremely hungry," said a patient.
This difficulty is worsened if users have not adopted sustainable lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Widespread Use
Survey data suggest that millions of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with demand being substantial.
- Adoption is higher among females compared to men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest level of interest.
- Many obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, clinicians caution that while the jabs are potent tools for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent solution and lasting health benefits relies on ongoing behavioural support.
