A recent study reveals that patients who come off popular weight-loss injections like Mounjaro or Wegovy may regain lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop traditional lifestyle plans.
Research printed in a prominent health publication points out that while obese people frequently drop substantial amounts of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the weight returns at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"People using such treatments must be informed of the danger of quick weight regain when the treatment ends," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery implies a return to original weight in about a year and a half.
Weighing Therapies
The study, which reviewed 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the results of these new drugs with other pills.
The team point out that individuals who lose weight through diet and exercise generally experience a more gradual weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
Understanding the Fast Rebound
Nutrition scientists suggest the mechanism of the injections accounts for the heightened weight return.
GLP-1 drugs copy a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Long-term administration of the hormone concentrations several times higher than normal might result in the system to produce less of its endogenous GLP-1, and could reduce responsiveness to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to hunger is unsuppressed, making overeating far more likely."
A Chronic Disease?
Medical guidelines recommend the injections for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals say that, considering the significant potential of relapse, the treatment might need to be ongoing.
This opinion is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who say that the results "highlight the chronic nature of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like diabetes.
User Experiences
People who have discontinued the medication describe a sudden resurgence of hunger.
"It felt as if a trigger activating and you become starving," recalled one woman.
This challenge is compounded if individuals have not developed sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Widespread Use
Figures indicate that a significant number of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with interest remaining high.
- Use is more common among women than males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- Many access the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, researchers emphasize that while GLP-1 drugs are potent agents for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone solution and maintained weight loss likely depends on ongoing behavioural changes.
