Fresh analysis suggests that individuals who discontinue new weight-loss injections like Mounjaro or Wegovy may regain shed pounds much more quickly than those who halt traditional diet and exercise regimens.
Research printed in a prominent medical journal points out that while overweight individuals can lose substantial amounts of their body weight while on the medication, the weight comes back at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"People purchasing these drugs need to be aware of the potential of fast weight regain when the therapy is stopped," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain suggests a return to pre-treatment weight in about one and a half years.
Comparing Approaches
The analysis, which examined dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the results of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
Researchers note that individuals who lose weight through dieting typically see a slower creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Quick Regain
Nutrition scientists suggest the mechanism of the jabs accounts for the amplified regain.
The injections mimic a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls hunger.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 levels several times higher than normal could lead to the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and could diminish responsiveness to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to hunger is unsuppressed, making binge eating far more likely."
An Ongoing Disease?
The NHS suggest the injections for people with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals argue that, due to the high risk of relapse, the treatment should be considered ongoing.
This opinion is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the findings "underscore the persistent nature of excess weight," comparing it to managing diseases like hypertension.
User Accounts
Individuals who have discontinued the medication report a powerful return of appetite.
"It was like a switch that goes on and I was suddenly ravenous," recalled one woman.
This difficulty is exacerbated if individuals have not developed sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Significant Adoption
Recent estimates show that a significant number of people in the UK have tried these injections in the past year, with desire remaining high.
- Adoption is higher among women compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, researchers caution that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful agents for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone fix and maintained weight loss likely depends on integrated behavioural support.
