A recent study indicates that people who stop using blockbuster weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop traditional diet and exercise programs.
Published data in a major medical journal points out that while overweight individuals can lose about a fifth of their total mass while using the jabs, the mass comes back at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Users using such drugs need to be informed of the risk of quick rebound weight gain when the medication ends," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain implies a reversion to pre-treatment mass within about one and a half years.
Comparing Therapies
The research, which looked at dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the effects of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
The team point out that individuals who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone typically experience a slower creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Understanding the Quick Regain
Nutrition scientists believe the mode of action of the injections accounts for the heightened weight return.
The injections mimic a natural hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate hunger.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 concentrations far above than normal may cause the system to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and may also reduce sensitivity to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Stopping of this medication means appetite is uncontrolled, making excessive eating far more likely."
A Lifelong Issue?
Health authorities suggest the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals argue that, considering the high risk of weight regain, the therapy might need to be ongoing.
This perspective is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the findings "highlight the long-term nature of obesity," similar to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
Patient Experiences
Individuals who have discontinued the medication describe a powerful resurgence of appetite.
"I experienced something that goes on and you become extremely hungry," said an individual.
This difficulty is exacerbated if patients have not established permanent lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Growing Use
Recent estimates suggest that millions of people in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with interest remaining high.
- Use is more common among women than men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest usage rates.
- Many access the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, clinicians emphasize that while these medications are powerful agents for shedding pounds, they are not a magic cure and lasting health benefits likely depends on ongoing lifestyle support.
