A recent study suggests that patients who discontinue new weight-loss injections like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop traditional lifestyle plans.
Research printed in a major health publication points out that while obese individuals often shed substantial amounts of their total mass while on the medication, the weight is regained at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"People purchasing such treatments must be informed of the potential of quick weight regain when the medication ends," stated researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain means a return to original mass in about one and a half years.
The research, which reviewed dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the effects of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
The team note that individuals who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone generally have a less rapid weight regain—around 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
Doctors propose the way of the jabs is key to understanding the heightened weight return.
These medications copy a natural hormone called GLP-1, which controls hunger.
"Long-term administration of the hormone levels several times higher than the body's typical production might result in the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and may also diminish responsiveness to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Stopping of this medication results in appetite is unsuppressed, making excessive eating far more likely."
The NHS recommend the jabs for individuals with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by recommended lifestyle changes.
Many experts say that, due to the likelihood of weight regain, the therapy might need to be life-long.
This opinion is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the findings "underscore the persistent nature of obesity," similar to managing diseases like diabetes.
Individuals who have come off the medication describe a powerful resurgence of hunger.
"It was like a switch activating and you become starving," recalled one woman.
This challenge is worsened if individuals have not developed lasting dietary or behavioural modifications during treatment.
Survey data indicate that millions of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with interest remaining high.
In conclusion, researchers stress that while these medications are effective tools for weight loss, they are not a standalone fix and maintained weight loss relies on integrated behavioural changes.
