🔗 Share this article Individuals Coming Off Slimming Injections Regain Weight Far More Rapidly Compared to People Using Diet and Exercise Obesity treatment often requires long-term strategies. New research reveals that people who discontinue new weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop traditional diet and exercise plans. Research printed in a prominent medical journal points out that while obese people can lose about a fifth of their total mass while using the jabs, the weight comes back at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation. "People using these medications should be cognizant of the danger of fast rebound weight gain when the therapy concludes," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb. That rate of regain means a return to pre-treatment weight in about a year and a half. Analyzing Approaches The analysis, which reviewed dozens of studies involving thousands of participants, compared the effects of these new drugs with older methods. Researchers note that people who shed pounds through diet and exercise generally have a less rapid creep back—perhaps 100 grams monthly—once they finish. Understanding the Fast Regain Doctors propose the mode of action of the jabs is key to understanding the accelerated regain. These medications imitate a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates feelings of fullness. "Artificially providing GLP-1 levels far above than the body's typical production may cause the system to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and could reduce sensitivity to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher. "Discontinuation of this medication leads to hunger is uncontrolled, making overeating much more probable." A Chronic Condition? Health authorities suggest the jabs for people with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes. A number of clinicians contend that, due to the significant potential of relapse, the treatment might need to be life-long. This perspective is echoed by drug manufacturers, who note that the results "underscore the chronic nature of obesity," akin to managing diseases like diabetes. Patient Accounts Individuals who have discontinued the medication describe a powerful resurgence of appetite. "It felt as if a switch that goes on and you're instantly starving," said a patient. The struggle is worsened if individuals have not adopted sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during therapy. Widespread Interest Recent estimates show that millions of people in the UK have tried these injections in the past year, with desire continuing to grow. Use is higher among females compared to men. The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest level of interest. A large proportion obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS. Ultimately, clinicians caution that while these medications are powerful agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone cure and lasting health benefits relies on integrated behavioural changes.
Obesity treatment often requires long-term strategies. New research reveals that people who discontinue new weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop traditional diet and exercise plans. Research printed in a prominent medical journal points out that while obese people can lose about a fifth of their total mass while using the jabs, the weight comes back at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation. "People using these medications should be cognizant of the danger of fast rebound weight gain when the therapy concludes," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb. That rate of regain means a return to pre-treatment weight in about a year and a half. Analyzing Approaches The analysis, which reviewed dozens of studies involving thousands of participants, compared the effects of these new drugs with older methods. Researchers note that people who shed pounds through diet and exercise generally have a less rapid creep back—perhaps 100 grams monthly—once they finish. Understanding the Fast Regain Doctors propose the mode of action of the jabs is key to understanding the accelerated regain. These medications imitate a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates feelings of fullness. "Artificially providing GLP-1 levels far above than the body's typical production may cause the system to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and could reduce sensitivity to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher. "Discontinuation of this medication leads to hunger is uncontrolled, making overeating much more probable." A Chronic Condition? Health authorities suggest the jabs for people with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes. A number of clinicians contend that, due to the significant potential of relapse, the treatment might need to be life-long. This perspective is echoed by drug manufacturers, who note that the results "underscore the chronic nature of obesity," akin to managing diseases like diabetes. Patient Accounts Individuals who have discontinued the medication describe a powerful resurgence of appetite. "It felt as if a switch that goes on and you're instantly starving," said a patient. The struggle is worsened if individuals have not adopted sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during therapy. Widespread Interest Recent estimates show that millions of people in the UK have tried these injections in the past year, with desire continuing to grow. Use is higher among females compared to men. The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest level of interest. A large proportion obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS. Ultimately, clinicians caution that while these medications are powerful agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone cure and lasting health benefits relies on integrated behavioural changes.