A recent study indicates that individuals who stop using new weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt traditional lifestyle regimens.
Research printed in a leading medical journal points out that while overweight people often shed substantial amounts of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the mass is regained at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"People buying these drugs need to be informed of the risk of rapid weight regain when the medication is stopped," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain suggests a return to starting mass within about 18 months.
Weighing Treatments
The study, which examined 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the effects of GLP-1 agonists with other pills.
The team emphasize that people who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone typically have a more gradual creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Understanding the Rapid Regain
Nutrition scientists believe the mechanism of the injections accounts for the heightened weight return.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates appetite.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production might result in the system to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and may also diminish sensitivity to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to appetite is unsuppressed, making binge eating far more likely."
A Lifelong Issue?
The NHS recommend the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals argue that, due to the significant potential of relapse, the treatment might need to be ongoing.
This view is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who say that the results "highlight the persistent nature of excess weight," similar to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
Patient Accounts
People who have discontinued the jabs report a sudden resurgence of appetite.
"It felt as if a switch that goes on and I was suddenly ravenous," described an individual.
The struggle is exacerbated if users have not established sustainable lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Widespread Interest
Figures indicate that millions of adults in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with desire continuing to grow.
- Use is more common among females compared to men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- Many obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, clinicians caution that while the jabs are effective tools for weight loss, they are not a standalone fix and lasting health benefits likely depends on integrated behavioural support.
