New research suggests that individuals who discontinue blockbuster weight-loss injections like Mounjaro or Wegovy tend to recover shed pounds far faster than those who end conventional diet and exercise plans.
Findings released in a major health publication shows that while overweight individuals often shed a large proportion of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the weight is regained at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Individuals buying such medications need to be aware of the potential of quick weight regain when the treatment ends," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery means a return to starting mass in about one and a half years.
Weighing Therapies
The research, which looked at dozens of studies involving thousands of patients, compared the effects 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—approximately 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
The Reason for the Fast Regain
Doctors believe the mode of action of the drugs accounts for the heightened weight return.
The injections imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which moderates hunger.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production may cause the body to produce less of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also reduce sensitivity to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Stopping of this medication leads to appetite is uncontrolled, making overeating far more likely."
A Chronic Disease?
The NHS suggest the jabs for people with weight-linked health risks, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts say that, due to the high risk of weight regain, the treatment should be considered life-long.
This opinion is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the results "emphasize the persistent nature of obesity," similar to managing diseases like hypertension.
Patient Accounts
Users who have discontinued the medication describe a intense resurgence of hunger.
"It felt as if a trigger that goes on and I was suddenly starving," said a patient.
The struggle is compounded if individuals have not adopted lasting lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Growing Interest
Survey data show that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with interest continuing to grow.
- Use is higher among women compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- Many obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, researchers caution that while these medications are powerful tools for weight loss, they are not a standalone solution and lasting health benefits hinges on combined behavioural changes.
