New research suggests that individuals who come off popular weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover lost weight far faster than those who stop conventional diet and exercise plans.
Findings released in a major health publication demonstrates that while obese people can lose substantial amounts of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the mass is regained at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"Individuals using these treatments must be aware of the danger of quick rebound weight gain when the medication concludes," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery suggests a reversion to original mass within about a year and a half.
Analyzing Treatments
The research, which examined 37 of studies involving thousands of participants, contrasted the results of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
The team emphasize that individuals who lose weight through diet and exercise usually experience a more gradual creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Explaining the Fast Rebound
Experts suggest the way of the drugs explains the amplified weight return.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 levels several times higher than normal may cause the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and may also reduce responsiveness to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to appetite is uncontrolled, making binge eating far more likely."
An Ongoing Issue?
Medical guidelines advise the injections for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals say that, given the significant potential of relapse, the treatment should be considered long-term.
This view is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "underscore the long-term character of obesity," akin to managing diseases like diabetes.
Patient Experiences
People who have come off the medication report a sudden return of hunger.
"It was like something activating and I was suddenly extremely hungry," described a patient.
This challenge is worsened if users have not developed sustainable lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Growing Use
Figures suggest that millions of people in the UK have tried these injections in the past year, with interest remaining high.
- Adoption is more common among women than men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, researchers emphasize that while GLP-1 drugs are effective tools for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent fix and maintained weight loss relies on combined behavioural management.
