A recent study suggests that people who discontinue new weight-loss injections like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on lost weight far faster than those who stop traditional lifestyle programs.
Research printed in a major health publication points out that while obese individuals frequently drop a large proportion of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the mass returns at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"Individuals purchasing these treatments need to be informed of the potential of rapid weight regain when the therapy ends," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery means a reversion to starting weight in about 18 months.
Analyzing Therapies
The research, which looked at dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the effects of GLP-1 agonists with other pills.
The team point out that people who lose weight through diet and exercise typically experience a less rapid creep back—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Fast Regain
Doctors propose the mechanism of the drugs accounts for the amplified weight return.
These medications copy a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of the hormone levels several times higher than normal may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and could reduce sensitivity to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Discontinuation of this hormone supplement leads to hunger is uncontrolled, making excessive eating far more likely."
An Ongoing Issue?
The NHS advise the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by recommended lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians contend that, due to the significant potential of weight regain, the therapy is often ongoing.
This view is supported by drug manufacturers, who note that the results "highlight the long-term character of excess weight," akin to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
User Experiences
People who have discontinued the medication explain a sudden resurgence of appetite.
"I experienced a trigger activating and you become extremely hungry," described an individual.
The struggle is worsened if patients have not developed sustainable lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Growing Use
Survey data suggest that millions of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with desire continuing to grow.
- Use is higher among women compared to men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, experts stress that while these medications are powerful tools for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent fix and maintained weight loss relies on ongoing lifestyle management.
