A recent study suggests that patients who stop using blockbuster weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover reduced body mass far faster than those who halt traditional diet and exercise plans.
Published data in a prominent medical journal shows that while overweight people frequently drop substantial amounts of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the weight returns at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"People buying these drugs must be cognizant of the risk of quick rebound weight gain when the medication concludes," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery implies a reversion to starting mass in about one and a half years.
Comparing Therapies
The research, which reviewed dozens of studies involving thousands of participants, contrasted the results of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
Scientists emphasize that people who lose weight through diet and exercise generally see a slower weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Fast Rebound
Doctors suggest the mode of action of the jabs explains the accelerated weight return.
GLP-1 drugs copy a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 levels several times higher than the body's typical production may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and may also reduce sensitivity to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement leads to hunger is no longer kept in check, making overeating far more likely."
An Ongoing Disease?
Health authorities advise the jabs for individuals with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts contend that, due to the likelihood of relapse, the treatment might need to be life-long.
This view is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the results "underscore the chronic nature of excess weight," comparing it to managing conditions like hypertension.
User Experiences
Individuals who have stopped the medication report a powerful resurgence of cravings.
"It felt as if something activating and you become starving," recalled an individual.
This difficulty is compounded if users have not developed lasting dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Growing Interest
Figures indicate that a significant number of people in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with demand remaining high.
- Adoption is higher among females than men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, experts caution that while the jabs are potent agents for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone fix and long-term success hinges on combined behavioural changes.
