Fresh analysis indicates that people who stop using popular weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on shed pounds far faster than those who stop conventional lifestyle plans.
Findings released in a prominent health publication shows that while overweight individuals frequently drop about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the mass comes back at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"People using such drugs should be informed of the danger of fast rebound weight gain when the medication is stopped," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery means a return to original weight within about a year and a half.
Comparing Treatments
The research, which looked at dozens of studies involving thousands of participants, compared the outcomes of the injectable medications with older methods.
Scientists emphasize that people who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone generally experience a more gradual creep back—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Fast Rebound
Nutrition scientists believe the mode of action of the injections accounts for the accelerated weight return.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a natural hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate hunger.
"Long-term administration of the hormone levels several times higher than the body's typical production might result in the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and could lessen responsiveness to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' results in hunger is unsuppressed, making binge eating much more probable."
A Lifelong Condition?
The NHS advise the injections for individuals with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts argue that, given the high risk of relapse, the treatment should be considered ongoing.
This opinion is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "emphasize the chronic nature of obesity," akin to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
Patient Accounts
Individuals who have come off the jabs describe a intense return of appetite.
"It felt as if a switch that goes on and I was suddenly extremely hungry," recalled an individual.
This challenge is worsened if users have not developed permanent lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Widespread Use
Recent estimates suggest that millions of adults in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with desire continuing to grow.
- Adoption is greater among women compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- Many access the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Finally, researchers emphasize that while these medications are effective agents for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone solution and long-term success likely depends on ongoing lifestyle changes.
