New research indicates that patients who come off new weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover lost weight much more quickly than those who halt traditional diet and exercise programs.
Published data in a prominent medical journal points out that while overweight people often shed substantial amounts of their body weight while using the jabs, the weight comes back at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"Users purchasing such medications must be informed of the risk of rapid weight regain when the therapy is stopped," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain suggests a reversion to pre-treatment weight in about a year and a half.
Analyzing Treatments
The research, which reviewed 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the results of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
Researchers emphasize that people who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone generally see a less rapid weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Quick Regain
Nutrition scientists suggest the way of the jabs is key to understanding the heightened regain.
These medications copy a natural hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate hunger.
"Long-term administration of the hormone levels far above than the body's typical production might result in the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and could reduce responsiveness to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement leads to hunger is no longer kept in check, making binge eating much more probable."
A Chronic Disease?
Health authorities advise the jabs for individuals with weight-linked health risks, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians contend that, given the high risk of relapse, the therapy might need to be long-term.
This view is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who state that the results "emphasize the chronic nature of obesity," akin to managing conditions like diabetes.
User Accounts
Individuals who have stopped the jabs explain a powerful resurgence of cravings.
"I experienced something that goes on and you're instantly extremely hungry," described an individual.
The struggle is compounded if patients have not established permanent dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Widespread Adoption
Recent estimates show that millions of people in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with interest being substantial.
- Adoption is greater among females compared to men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- Many access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Finally, clinicians stress that while the jabs are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a magic fix and lasting health benefits likely depends on combined behavioural support.
