A recent study suggests that patients who stop using new weight-loss injections like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on reduced body mass much more quickly than those who end conventional lifestyle plans.
Research printed in a leading medical journal shows that while overweight individuals can lose substantial amounts of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the weight comes back at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"People buying such medications must be cognizant of the risk of fast rebound weight gain when the medication is stopped," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain suggests a return to pre-treatment mass within about 18 months.
Weighing Approaches
The analysis, which examined 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the effects of GLP-1 agonists with other pills.
The team emphasize that people who lose weight through dieting typically experience a more gradual weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
The Reason for the Rapid Rebound
Doctors propose the mode of action of the injections explains the amplified regain.
The injections imitate a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Artificially providing the hormone levels far above than normal could lead to the body to produce less of its own natural hormone, and could reduce responsiveness to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Discontinuation of this medication results in appetite is no longer kept in check, making binge eating far more likely."
A Lifelong Issue?
Medical guidelines advise the jabs for individuals with obesity-related health risks, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians say that, due to the high risk of weight regain, the treatment might need to be long-term.
This view is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the findings "emphasize the chronic character of excess weight," akin to managing diseases like hypertension.
Patient Experiences
People who have discontinued the medication explain a sudden resurgence of appetite.
"I experienced a trigger that goes on and you're instantly starving," recalled a patient.
This difficulty is compounded if individuals have not adopted permanent lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Growing Use
Recent estimates show that a significant number of adults in the UK have tried these injections in the past year, with interest remaining high.
- Adoption is more common among females than males.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Finally, clinicians emphasize that while GLP-1 drugs are potent agents for weight loss, they are not a magic fix and maintained weight loss relies on combined lifestyle support.
