New research reveals that people who come off new weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover lost weight far faster than those who stop traditional diet and exercise plans.
Findings released in a leading health publication points out that while overweight people often shed about a fifth of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the weight returns at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"People purchasing these medications should be informed of the potential of fast rebound weight gain when the treatment concludes," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain suggests a reversion to original mass within about one and a half years.
Analyzing Therapies
The research, which examined 37 of trials involving thousands of patients, compared the results of the injectable medications with older methods.
The team note that individuals who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone typically have a more gradual creep back—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
The Reason for the Quick Rebound
Experts propose the way of the injections explains the accelerated weight return.
The injections copy a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Long-term administration of the hormone concentrations far above than the body's typical production could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and could reduce responsiveness to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement means appetite is uncontrolled, making excessive eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Disease?
The NHS suggest the injections for people with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts argue that, considering the high risk of relapse, the therapy might need to be life-long.
This opinion is supported by drug manufacturers, who state that the results "underscore the persistent character of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like hypertension.
Patient Experiences
Individuals who have stopped the medication describe a intense resurgence of cravings.
"I experienced a trigger activating and I was suddenly starving," recalled an individual.
The struggle is compounded if users have not established sustainable lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Widespread Interest
Survey data show that millions of people in the UK have tried these injections in the past year, with demand continuing to grow.
- Adoption is greater among females compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
In conclusion, experts emphasize that while GLP-1 drugs are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone solution and maintained weight loss hinges on combined behavioural management.
