Fresh analysis reveals that patients who stop using blockbuster weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain reduced body mass far faster than those who stop traditional lifestyle plans.
Findings released in a major medical journal shows that while overweight individuals can lose about a fifth of their total mass while on the medication, the weight returns at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"People purchasing these medications should be informed of the risk of fast weight regain when the therapy concludes," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain suggests a return to pre-treatment weight within about 18 months.
Analyzing Treatments
The analysis, which examined dozens of studies involving thousands of participants, contrasted the results of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
The team emphasize that individuals who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone generally experience a more gradual creep back—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
Explaining the Rapid Regain
Doctors suggest the mode of action of the injections is key to understanding the heightened regain.
The injections copy a natural hormone called GLP-1, which moderates feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing the hormone levels several times higher than normal could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and could reduce responsiveness to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' means hunger is uncontrolled, making overeating far more likely."
An Ongoing Issue?
Health authorities advise the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts say that, considering the significant potential of relapse, the therapy might need to be long-term.
This view is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the results "underscore the chronic character of obesity," akin to managing diseases like hypertension.
User Experiences
Users who have stopped the medication explain a sudden resurgence of cravings.
"It felt as if something activating and I was suddenly extremely hungry," said a patient.
The struggle is exacerbated if users have not adopted sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Widespread Use
Survey data show that a significant number of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with interest remaining high.
- Use is more common among women compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many obtain the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, researchers stress that while these medications are potent tools for shedding pounds, they are not a magic fix and long-term success relies on integrated lifestyle management.
