New research reveals that patients who come off new weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop conventional diet and exercise plans.
Published data in a major medical journal points out that while overweight people often shed substantial amounts of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the mass comes back at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"People using these treatments should be cognizant of the danger of fast weight regain when the medication concludes," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain suggests a reversion to original mass within about 18 months.
Comparing Therapies
The study, which examined 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the results of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
Scientists point out that people who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone generally have a less rapid weight regain—perhaps 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
Explaining the Fast Regain
Nutrition scientists believe the mechanism of the drugs accounts for the accelerated regain.
GLP-1 drugs copy a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates hunger.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 concentrations far above than the body's typical production may cause the system to produce less of its endogenous GLP-1, and could diminish sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Discontinuation of this hormone supplement leads to appetite is uncontrolled, making excessive eating much more probable."
A Lifelong Condition?
Medical guidelines recommend the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts argue that, given the significant potential of relapse, the treatment should be considered life-long.
This opinion is echoed by drug manufacturers, who note that the findings "emphasize the persistent nature of obesity," akin to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Testimonies
Individuals who have stopped the medication report a sudden resurgence of hunger.
"It felt as if something activating and I was suddenly extremely hungry," recalled one woman.
The struggle is compounded if individuals have not adopted permanent lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Significant Interest
Figures suggest that a significant number of people in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with demand being substantial.
- Use is higher among females compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Finally, experts emphasize that while the jabs are effective agents for shedding pounds, they are not a magic solution and maintained weight loss likely depends on ongoing lifestyle support.
