A recent study indicates that people who come off popular weight-loss injections like Mounjaro or Wegovy tend to recover shed pounds much more quickly than those who stop conventional diet and exercise programs.
Research printed in a major medical journal demonstrates that while obese people frequently drop about a fifth of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the weight returns at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"People purchasing these drugs should be informed of the potential of quick rebound weight gain when the treatment is stopped," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain means a return to pre-treatment mass within about 18 months.
Analyzing Therapies
The study, which looked at dozens of studies involving thousands of participants, contrasted the outcomes of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
Scientists point out that people who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone typically see a less rapid creep back—approximately 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
Explaining the Fast Regain
Experts suggest the way of the injections accounts for the accelerated rebound.
These medications mimic a natural hormone called GLP-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 levels several times higher than the body's typical production could lead to the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also diminish sensitivity to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Discontinuation of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to hunger is unsuppressed, making overeating far more likely."
A Chronic Disease?
The NHS suggest the injections for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals argue that, given the high risk of relapse, the therapy might need to be life-long.
This view is supported by drug manufacturers, who state that the results "underscore the persistent nature of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
User Experiences
Users who have come off the jabs report a intense return of hunger.
"It felt as if a trigger flipping and I was suddenly ravenous," described one woman.
This difficulty is worsened if patients have not established sustainable dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Growing Use
Figures show that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with interest continuing to grow.
- Adoption is more common among women compared to males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, experts stress that while the jabs are powerful tools for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent cure and maintained weight loss likely depends on ongoing lifestyle management.
