Fresh analysis suggests that individuals who come off new weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop traditional diet and exercise plans.
Published data in a leading medical journal points out that while obese people often shed about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the weight comes back at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"People using such drugs should be informed of the risk of quick weight regain when the treatment is stopped," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain implies a return to original weight in about a year and a half.
Analyzing Treatments
The analysis, which examined 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the effects of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
Researchers point out that people who shed pounds through dieting usually have a slower weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Quick Rebound
Nutrition scientists propose the way of the drugs accounts for the heightened rebound.
The injections copy a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing the hormone concentrations far above than the body's typical production may cause the system to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and could diminish sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement means hunger is unsuppressed, making excessive eating a significant risk."
An Ongoing Condition?
Health authorities advise the injections for people with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts argue that, considering the significant potential of weight regain, the therapy is often long-term.
This opinion is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the findings "emphasize the long-term character of excess weight," similar to managing diseases like diabetes.
User Accounts
Users who have stopped the medication describe a intense resurgence of cravings.
"I experienced a trigger activating and I was suddenly ravenous," recalled a patient.
This difficulty is compounded if patients have not developed lasting lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Growing Adoption
Figures indicate that a significant number of adults in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with desire remaining high.
- Adoption is higher among women compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Finally, experts caution that while these medications are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone solution and maintained weight loss relies on ongoing behavioural management.
