Fresh analysis indicates that people who stop using blockbuster weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover lost weight far faster than those who halt conventional lifestyle plans.
Findings released in a prominent medical journal shows that while overweight people often shed a large proportion of their total mass while using the jabs, the weight returns at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"Users using such medications need to be informed of the potential of rapid weight regain when the medication ends," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery implies a return to original weight within about one and a half years.
Weighing Treatments
The study, which reviewed 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the outcomes of the injectable medications with other pills.
The team note that people who lose weight through diet and exercise usually have a slower creep back—approximately 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
The Reason for the Fast Regain
Nutrition scientists believe the mode of action of the jabs explains the amplified weight return.
GLP-1 drugs copy a natural hormone called GLP-1, which moderates feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 levels several times higher than normal might result in the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and could reduce responsiveness to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' means hunger is unsuppressed, making binge eating much more probable."
A Chronic Disease?
Medical guidelines advise the jabs for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals say that, considering the high risk of relapse, the treatment is often life-long.
This perspective is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the findings "highlight the chronic character of obesity," similar to managing diseases like diabetes.
Patient Testimonies
People who have come off the medication report a sudden resurgence of appetite.
"It was like a trigger activating and you become extremely hungry," said one woman.
The struggle is exacerbated if patients have not adopted permanent dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Growing Interest
Figures indicate that a significant number of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with interest continuing to grow.
- Use is higher among females than men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Ultimately, clinicians caution that while GLP-1 drugs are potent agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone fix and long-term success hinges on combined behavioural management.
