Patients Discontinuing Weight-Loss Injections Put On Weight at a Quadrupled Rate Than Dieters
A recent study reveals that individuals who come off new weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on reduced body mass much more quickly than those who end traditional diet and exercise plans.
Published data in a prominent medical journal points out that while obese individuals frequently drop substantial amounts of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the weight is regained at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Individuals purchasing such treatments should be aware of the potential of fast rebound weight gain when the therapy ends," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery suggests a return to pre-treatment mass in about one and a half years.
Comparing Treatments
The study, which examined 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the results of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
The team point out that people who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone typically have a more gradual creep back—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Understanding the Rapid Regain
Nutrition scientists propose the mechanism of the injections is key to understanding the amplified weight return.
The injections copy a natural hormone called GLP-1, which moderates feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 levels several times higher than the body's typical production may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and may also reduce responsiveness to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement means hunger is uncontrolled, making binge eating far more likely."
A Chronic Issue?
The NHS recommend the jabs for individuals with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians argue that, considering the high risk of weight regain, the treatment might need to be ongoing.
This opinion is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "highlight the chronic character of excess weight," akin to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
Patient Experiences
Users who have discontinued the jabs report a sudden resurgence of appetite.
"It felt as if a switch flipping and I was suddenly extremely hungry," described an individual.
This difficulty is compounded if users have not established sustainable lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Growing Adoption
Survey data suggest that millions of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with interest continuing to grow.
- Adoption is greater among females compared to men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- Many obtain the drugs through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Ultimately, researchers caution that while GLP-1 drugs are effective tools for weight loss, they are not a standalone fix and maintained weight loss hinges on ongoing behavioural changes.