A recent study indicates that patients who discontinue new weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain reduced body mass much more quickly than those who stop conventional diet and exercise regimens.
Research printed in a leading medical journal shows that while obese people frequently drop about a fifth of their total mass while using the jabs, the weight is regained at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Users buying such drugs must be cognizant of the risk of fast weight regain when the therapy ends," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain suggests a reversion to pre-treatment weight in about 18 months.
Comparing Approaches
The study, which reviewed 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
Researchers emphasize that individuals who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone typically have a less rapid creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Explaining the Fast Regain
Experts propose the mode of action of the jabs accounts for the amplified regain.
The injections mimic a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls hunger.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 levels several times higher than normal could lead to the system to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and could reduce responsiveness to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Withdrawal of this medication leads to hunger is uncontrolled, making overeating much more probable."
An Ongoing Disease?
The NHS suggest the injections for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals argue that, given the significant potential of weight regain, the treatment should be considered long-term.
This view is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the results "highlight the long-term nature of obesity," comparing it to managing conditions like diabetes.
Patient Accounts
Individuals who have discontinued the medication report a sudden return of hunger.
"It felt as if a trigger activating and you become starving," described one woman.
This difficulty is compounded if patients have not developed lasting dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Significant Adoption
Survey data show that a significant number of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with desire continuing to grow.
- Use is higher among women than men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, researchers caution that while these medications are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone fix and long-term success likely depends on integrated behavioural changes.
