Fresh analysis suggests that people who discontinue popular weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain shed pounds far faster than those who halt traditional lifestyle plans.
Research printed in a major health publication shows that while overweight individuals frequently drop a large proportion of their total mass while on the medication, the weight is regained at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Users using such treatments must be informed of the danger of rapid rebound weight gain when the medication ends," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain means a return to pre-treatment mass in about 18 months.
Comparing Treatments
The study, which looked at 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the results of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
The team emphasize that individuals who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone generally have a less rapid weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Understanding the Fast Rebound
Doctors propose the mode of action of the injections is key to understanding the heightened weight return.
The injections mimic a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone concentrations far above than normal may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and could diminish responsiveness to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' results in hunger is uncontrolled, making overeating far more likely."
A Lifelong Condition?
Health authorities recommend the injections for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals say that, given the high risk of relapse, the treatment should be considered ongoing.
This view is supported by drug manufacturers, who note that the results "emphasize the long-term nature of obesity," similar to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
Patient Testimonies
Individuals who have come off the medication explain a sudden resurgence of cravings.
"I experienced a switch that goes on and I was suddenly starving," described a patient.
This challenge is exacerbated if users have not established lasting lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Growing Use
Recent estimates show that a significant number of adults in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with demand being substantial.
- Adoption is more common among females compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the medications through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Ultimately, clinicians stress that while these medications are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone fix and maintained weight loss likely depends on ongoing behavioural changes.
