New research indicates that patients who come off new weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain lost weight much more quickly than those who stop conventional diet and exercise regimens.
Published data in a leading medical journal shows that while obese individuals can lose about a fifth of their total mass while on the medication, the mass comes back at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"Users buying these treatments should be informed of the potential of quick weight regain when the medication concludes," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain implies a return to starting weight within about 18 months.
Weighing Therapies
The study, which examined dozens of studies involving thousands of patients, compared the results of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
The team note that people who lose weight through dieting typically see a more gradual creep back—around 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.
Explaining the Fast Regain
Doctors propose the mode of action of the jabs accounts for the heightened rebound.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls appetite.
"Long-term administration of the hormone levels far above than the body's typical production could lead to the body to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and could diminish sensitivity to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Stopping of this medication leads to hunger is no longer kept in check, making binge eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Issue?
Health authorities suggest the jabs for individuals with weight-linked health risks, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts say that, considering the significant potential of weight regain, the therapy should be considered long-term.
This perspective is echoed by drug manufacturers, who say that the results "highlight the long-term character of excess weight," akin to managing diseases like hypertension.
User Experiences
Individuals who have stopped the medication report a intense return of hunger.
"It felt as if a trigger activating and you become starving," described an individual.
This challenge is compounded if users have not adopted lasting dietary or behavioural modifications during treatment.
Significant Use
Recent estimates indicate that a significant number of adults in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with interest being substantial.
- Adoption is greater among women than males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
In conclusion, clinicians stress that while GLP-1 drugs are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a magic solution and lasting health benefits likely depends on ongoing lifestyle management.
