New research indicates that people who come off popular weight-loss injections like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop conventional diet and exercise programs.
Findings released in a major health publication points out that while overweight people often shed about a fifth of their body weight while using the jabs, the mass is regained at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"People purchasing such medications must be informed of the potential of fast rebound weight gain when the medication concludes," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain means a reversion to pre-treatment weight within about 18 months.
Analyzing Approaches
The study, which looked at 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the effects of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
Researchers note that people who shed pounds through diet and exercise usually experience a more gradual weight regain—approximately 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
The Reason for the Fast Rebound
Doctors suggest the way of the drugs accounts for the amplified rebound.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a natural hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate hunger.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than normal could lead to the system to produce less of its own natural hormone, and could diminish sensitivity to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' results in appetite is unsuppressed, making excessive eating far more likely."
An Ongoing Issue?
Health authorities suggest the injections for people with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians argue that, given the significant potential of weight regain, the therapy should be considered life-long.
This view is echoed by drug manufacturers, who note that the findings "highlight the chronic nature of excess weight," similar to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Accounts
People who have discontinued the medication describe a powerful resurgence of hunger.
"I experienced a switch flipping and you're instantly extremely hungry," recalled an individual.
The struggle is compounded if patients have not adopted lasting dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Growing Use
Recent estimates show that a significant number of people in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with demand remaining high.
- Use is greater among females than men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many obtain the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Finally, researchers caution that while these medications are potent tools for weight loss, they are not a magic solution and maintained weight loss likely depends on combined behavioural management.
