A recent study suggests that individuals who discontinue popular weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on reduced body mass far faster than those who stop conventional lifestyle plans.
Research printed in a prominent medical journal shows that while overweight individuals can lose a large proportion of their body weight while on the medication, the mass comes back at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Users purchasing such treatments need to be informed of the danger of rapid rebound weight gain when the medication ends," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery suggests a return to original mass in about one and a half years.
Comparing Therapies
The research, which examined 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the outcomes of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
Researchers note that people who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone generally have a more gradual creep back—approximately 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
Understanding the Fast Rebound
Experts propose the way of the injections is key to understanding the heightened weight return.
These medications imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 levels far above than normal may cause the body to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and may also lessen sensitivity to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement means hunger is uncontrolled, making excessive eating a significant risk."
An Ongoing Condition?
The NHS recommend the jabs for people with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians argue that, due to the high risk of relapse, the therapy should be considered ongoing.
This opinion is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who note that the findings "highlight the long-term nature of excess weight," akin to managing diseases like diabetes.
User Experiences
People who have stopped the medication describe a powerful resurgence of cravings.
"It was like a trigger that goes on and you're instantly starving," described one woman.
The struggle is compounded if patients have not established sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Growing Use
Recent estimates show that a significant number of people in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with interest being substantial.
- Use is more common among women than males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many access the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Finally, clinicians stress that while the jabs are effective agents for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone cure and lasting health benefits likely depends on combined lifestyle changes.
