Fresh analysis indicates that people who discontinue popular weight-loss injections like Mounjaro or Wegovy may regain lost weight much more quickly than those who halt conventional lifestyle programs.
Research printed in a major health publication points out that while obese people can lose about a fifth of their total mass while using the jabs, the mass comes back at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"People purchasing such medications should be informed of the risk of fast weight regain when the therapy concludes," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery means a return to original weight in about 18 months.
Analyzing Therapies
The analysis, which reviewed dozens of trials involving thousands of patients, contrasted the outcomes of the injectable medications with other pills.
Researchers emphasize that people who lose weight through diet and exercise generally experience a less rapid weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
The Reason for the Rapid Rebound
Doctors propose the way of the drugs is key to understanding the accelerated regain.
The injections imitate a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing the hormone concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production could lead to the system to produce less of its endogenous GLP-1, and could reduce responsiveness to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement results in hunger is uncontrolled, making excessive eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Issue?
Medical guidelines suggest the injections for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts say that, due to the significant potential of relapse, the therapy should be considered long-term.
This opinion is echoed by drug manufacturers, who say that the results "emphasize the long-term nature of excess weight," akin to managing conditions like diabetes.
User Experiences
Users who have stopped the jabs report a sudden resurgence of hunger.
"It was like a trigger that goes on and you're instantly ravenous," said a patient.
This difficulty is exacerbated if patients have not adopted sustainable dietary or behavioural modifications during treatment.
Growing Use
Figures show that a significant number of adults in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with demand remaining high.
- Use is higher among women compared to men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, clinicians stress that while these medications are powerful agents for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone cure and long-term success hinges on integrated lifestyle management.
