New research reveals that people who discontinue blockbuster weight-loss injections like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on lost weight much more quickly than those who halt conventional diet and exercise programs.
Findings released in a leading medical journal points out that while overweight individuals often shed about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the mass returns at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"People purchasing such drugs must be aware of the risk of rapid rebound weight gain when the treatment concludes," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery implies a reversion to original mass within about one and a half years.
Comparing Therapies
The analysis, which reviewed dozens of trials involving thousands of participants, compared the outcomes of the injectable medications with older methods.
The team emphasize that people who lose weight through diet and exercise usually have a more gradual creep back—around 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
Explaining the Quick Rebound
Experts believe the way of the drugs is key to understanding the accelerated rebound.
GLP-1 drugs copy a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls hunger.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and could lessen responsiveness to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement leads to hunger is unsuppressed, making excessive eating a significant risk."
A Lifelong Disease?
Health authorities recommend the injections for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
Many experts say that, considering the high risk of weight regain, the treatment is often life-long.
This view is supported by drug manufacturers, who note that the findings "underscore the persistent nature of obesity," comparing it to managing conditions like hypertension.
User Testimonies
Individuals who have come off the medication explain a sudden resurgence of cravings.
"I experienced a trigger activating and you're instantly starving," recalled an individual.
This difficulty is compounded if individuals have not developed lasting lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Significant Adoption
Figures indicate that millions of people in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with desire remaining high.
- Adoption is greater among women compared to men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Ultimately, experts caution that while these medications are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone cure and long-term success relies on combined behavioural management.
