New research reveals that people who come off popular weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain lost weight much more quickly than those who stop conventional lifestyle plans.
Published data in a prominent health publication points out that while overweight individuals often shed substantial amounts of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the weight returns at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"People using such treatments need to be aware of the risk of fast weight regain when the treatment concludes," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery implies a return to pre-treatment mass within about one and a half years.
Weighing Treatments
The study, which looked at dozens of studies involving thousands of participants, contrasted the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with other pills.
Scientists note that people who shed pounds through dieting typically experience a more gradual creep back—perhaps 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
The Reason for the Rapid Regain
Doctors suggest the mode of action of the drugs explains the heightened weight return.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate hunger.
"Long-term administration of the hormone concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production might result in the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and may also reduce sensitivity to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' means appetite is no longer kept in check, making overeating a significant risk."
An Ongoing Issue?
Medical guidelines recommend the jabs for individuals with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by recommended lifestyle changes.
Many experts argue that, given the high risk of weight regain, the treatment is often long-term.
This opinion is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who state that the results "highlight the persistent character of excess weight," akin to managing conditions like hypertension.
User Testimonies
People who have stopped the jabs explain a intense resurgence of appetite.
"It was like a switch activating and you become extremely hungry," said one woman.
The struggle is exacerbated if patients have not established lasting dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Growing Use
Survey data indicate that millions of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand remaining high.
- Use is more common among females than males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- Many obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Finally, researchers stress that while these medications are powerful tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent cure and maintained weight loss likely depends on combined lifestyle changes.
