Fresh analysis suggests that patients who stop using popular weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on shed pounds much more quickly than those who stop traditional lifestyle plans.
Published data in a major health publication shows that while overweight individuals can lose about a fifth of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the weight comes back at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"Users purchasing such treatments need to be informed of the danger of quick weight regain when the treatment concludes," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery means a return to pre-treatment mass in about 18 months.
Weighing Therapies
The analysis, which reviewed dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
Researchers note that individuals who lose weight through diet and exercise usually see a more gradual creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Quick Regain
Experts propose the mechanism of the injections is key to understanding the accelerated regain.
These medications copy a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than normal may cause the system to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and may also lessen sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' results in appetite is uncontrolled, making overeating much more probable."
A Lifelong Condition?
The NHS suggest the injections for individuals with obesity-related health risks, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts contend that, given the significant potential of relapse, the therapy might need to be long-term.
This perspective is echoed by drug manufacturers, who note that the results "underscore the chronic character of excess weight," similar to managing diseases like diabetes.
Patient Experiences
Individuals who have come off the medication describe a sudden return of cravings.
"I experienced something flipping and I was suddenly ravenous," said an individual.
This challenge is exacerbated if patients have not adopted lasting dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Significant Interest
Survey data show that a significant number of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with interest being substantial.
- Use is more common among females compared to males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, experts caution that while GLP-1 drugs are effective agents for shedding pounds, they are not a magic solution and long-term success likely depends on ongoing behavioural changes.
