New research suggests that people who discontinue popular weight-loss injections like Mounjaro or Wegovy may regain reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who end conventional diet and exercise regimens.
Findings released in a leading health publication shows that while overweight individuals frequently drop a large proportion of their body weight while on the medication, the weight is regained at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"People buying these drugs need to be cognizant of the risk of quick rebound weight gain when the therapy ends," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery means a reversion to pre-treatment weight in about a year and a half.
Comparing Therapies
The study, which examined 37 of trials involving thousands of participants, compared the effects of these new drugs with other pills.
Researchers note that people who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone generally see a more gradual weight regain—perhaps 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Quick Rebound
Doctors believe the mechanism of the drugs accounts for the accelerated regain.
The injections copy a natural hormone called GLP-1, which moderates appetite.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone concentrations several times higher than normal could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and may also reduce responsiveness to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to hunger is no longer kept in check, making excessive eating a significant risk."
An Ongoing Condition?
Health authorities advise the jabs for people with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals say that, due to the significant potential of relapse, the therapy should be considered life-long.
This perspective is echoed by drug manufacturers, who note that the findings "emphasize the chronic nature of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like hypertension.
Patient Accounts
People who have stopped the jabs report a intense return of appetite.
"It was like a trigger that goes on and I was suddenly starving," recalled a patient.
The struggle is compounded if users have not established lasting dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Widespread Interest
Recent estimates suggest that a significant number of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with interest remaining high.
- 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 prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, researchers caution that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent fix and long-term success relies on integrated lifestyle support.
