New research indicates that patients who stop using new weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover shed pounds much more quickly than those who halt traditional lifestyle programs.
Findings released in a major medical journal demonstrates that while obese people often shed a large proportion of their total mass while using the jabs, the weight returns at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"People using these medications need to be cognizant of the potential of quick rebound weight gain when the medication concludes," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery means a reversion to pre-treatment weight within about a year and a half.
Comparing Treatments
The research, which examined 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the effects of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
Researchers point out that individuals who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone generally see a slower creep back—approximately 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Quick Regain
Doctors believe the way of the drugs explains the amplified weight return.
These medications copy a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which moderates feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 concentrations far above than normal may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and could lessen sensitivity to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Withdrawal of this medication leads to appetite is unsuppressed, making binge eating much more probable."
A Chronic Issue?
The NHS suggest the injections for people with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals argue that, given the likelihood of relapse, the treatment is often life-long.
This view is supported by drug manufacturers, who state that the findings "emphasize the long-term nature of excess weight," comparing it to managing conditions like diabetes.
User Experiences
Users who have stopped the medication explain a powerful resurgence of cravings.
"It was like a trigger activating and I was suddenly ravenous," recalled an individual.
This challenge is exacerbated if individuals have not developed sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Significant Interest
Recent estimates suggest that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with interest remaining high.
- Adoption is more common among women than males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest usage rates.
- Many access the medications through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Finally, experts caution that while the jabs are powerful tools for weight loss, they are not a standalone fix and lasting health benefits hinges on combined behavioural management.
