New research suggests that patients who come off new weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop conventional lifestyle programs.
Research printed in a prominent medical journal points out that while overweight people can lose a large proportion of their body weight while using the jabs, the weight returns at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"People purchasing such treatments must be aware of the risk of rapid rebound weight gain when the medication ends," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery suggests a reversion to original weight in about 18 months.
Weighing Therapies
The research, which examined 37 of studies involving thousands of participants, compared the effects of these new drugs with older methods.
Researchers emphasize that people who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone typically see a more gradual weight regain—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Quick Regain
Doctors believe the way of the jabs explains the amplified regain.
The injections copy a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than normal may cause the body to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and may also reduce sensitivity to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Withdrawal of this medication leads to appetite is uncontrolled, making binge eating a significant risk."
A Lifelong Issue?
Health authorities suggest the injections for individuals with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts contend that, considering the high risk of relapse, the treatment is often long-term.
This view is echoed by drug manufacturers, who say that the results "highlight the long-term character of excess weight," similar to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Experiences
Individuals who have come off the jabs report a intense return of cravings.
"It felt as if a trigger flipping and I was suddenly starving," recalled a patient.
The struggle is compounded if users have not adopted permanent dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Growing Use
Recent estimates show that a significant number of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with interest being substantial.
- Use is more common among women than males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Finally, clinicians caution that while the jabs are potent tools for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent solution and lasting health benefits hinges on ongoing lifestyle management.
