New research indicates that individuals who come off popular weight-loss injections like Mounjaro or Wegovy may regain shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt conventional diet and exercise plans.
Published data in a major medical journal demonstrates that while overweight individuals can lose about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the weight is regained at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Users buying these drugs must be informed of the risk of quick rebound weight gain when the treatment concludes," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain means a reversion to pre-treatment weight in about 18 months.
Comparing Treatments
The research, which reviewed 37 of studies involving thousands of participants, compared the effects of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
Researchers emphasize that people who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone generally experience a more gradual creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Understanding the Rapid Rebound
Nutrition scientists propose the mechanism of the jabs accounts for the heightened regain.
The injections imitate a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls appetite.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production might result in the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and could lessen responsiveness to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Withdrawal of this medication results in hunger is uncontrolled, making overeating much more probable."
An Ongoing Condition?
The NHS recommend the jabs for people with obesity-related health risks, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals argue that, given the high risk of relapse, the therapy is often long-term.
This view is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the results "underscore the long-term nature of excess weight," comparing it to managing conditions like hypertension.
User Accounts
People who have stopped the medication explain a intense resurgence of hunger.
"It felt as if a trigger activating and you become starving," recalled an individual.
This challenge is exacerbated if patients have not developed lasting lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Growing Interest
Survey data indicate that millions of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with demand being substantial.
- Adoption is greater among women compared to men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Ultimately, researchers emphasize that while GLP-1 drugs are effective agents for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent fix and lasting health benefits relies on ongoing lifestyle support.
