Fresh analysis reveals that patients who stop using popular weight-loss injections like Mounjaro or Wegovy may regain lost weight much more quickly than those who stop traditional diet and exercise plans.
Research printed in a leading health publication demonstrates that while overweight people frequently drop a large proportion of their body weight while on the medication, the weight returns at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"People using these drugs must be informed of the risk of fast weight regain when the therapy is stopped," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery suggests a reversion to pre-treatment weight within about one and a half years.
Analyzing Approaches
The study, which looked at 37 of trials involving thousands of participants, compared the effects of these new drugs with other pills.
The team point out that people who lose weight through dieting typically experience a slower weight regain—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Understanding the Fast Regain
Doctors believe the way of the injections explains the heightened weight return.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a natural hormone called GLP-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 levels several times higher than normal may cause the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and may also lessen sensitivity to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement leads to hunger is unsuppressed, making overeating a significant risk."
An Ongoing Disease?
Medical guidelines advise the injections for individuals with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by recommended lifestyle changes.
Many experts say that, considering the high risk of relapse, the therapy should be considered ongoing.
This perspective is supported by drug manufacturers, who state that the findings "underscore the persistent character of excess weight," akin to managing diseases like diabetes.
Patient Accounts
Users who have stopped the jabs describe a powerful return of hunger.
"It was like a trigger activating and I was suddenly ravenous," said one woman.
This difficulty is exacerbated if users have not adopted sustainable lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Widespread Use
Survey data show that millions of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand being substantial.
- Use is more common among females than males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Finally, clinicians caution that while the jabs are potent agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone solution and maintained weight loss hinges on integrated lifestyle management.
