🔗 Share this article Patients Coming Off Anti-Obesity Injections Regain Weight Four Times Faster Compared to People Using Diet and Exercise Obesity treatment often requires ongoing approaches. A recent study suggests that patients who stop using popular weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain shed pounds far faster than those who end traditional diet and exercise plans. Research printed in a prominent medical journal shows that while obese people often shed a large proportion of their body weight while on the medication, the weight comes back at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit. "Individuals purchasing such drugs should be cognizant of the risk of fast weight regain when the therapy concludes," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb. This pace of recovery means a reversion to starting weight within about a year and a half. Analyzing Approaches The study, which looked at dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the results of the injectable medications with other pills. Scientists note that people who lose weight through dieting typically experience a more gradual creep back—around 100 grams monthly—after stopping. The Reason for the Fast Regain Doctors propose the mechanism of the injections is key to understanding the accelerated regain. These medications mimic a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness. "Artificially providing GLP-1 levels several times higher than the body's typical production might result in the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and could reduce sensitivity to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert. "Stopping of this hormone supplement leads to appetite is unsuppressed, making binge eating far more likely." A Lifelong Disease? Medical guidelines recommend the injections for people with weight-linked health risks, alongside recommended lifestyle changes. Professionals contend that, due to the significant potential of relapse, the therapy might need to be life-long. This perspective is echoed by drug manufacturers, who note that the results "highlight the chronic character of obesity," similar to managing conditions like diabetes. User Testimonies People who have come off the medication explain a powerful return of cravings. "It was like a switch activating and I was suddenly starving," recalled one woman. The struggle is exacerbated if users have not developed sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during treatment. Growing Use Figures indicate that millions of adults in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with desire being substantial. Use is greater among females compared to males. The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest usage rates. Many access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS. Ultimately, researchers caution that while the jabs are effective tools for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone cure and long-term success hinges on ongoing lifestyle changes.
Obesity treatment often requires ongoing approaches. A recent study suggests that patients who stop using popular weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain shed pounds far faster than those who end traditional diet and exercise plans. Research printed in a prominent medical journal shows that while obese people often shed a large proportion of their body weight while on the medication, the weight comes back at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit. "Individuals purchasing such drugs should be cognizant of the risk of fast weight regain when the therapy concludes," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb. This pace of recovery means a reversion to starting weight within about a year and a half. Analyzing Approaches The study, which looked at dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the results of the injectable medications with other pills. Scientists note that people who lose weight through dieting typically experience a more gradual creep back—around 100 grams monthly—after stopping. The Reason for the Fast Regain Doctors propose the mechanism of the injections is key to understanding the accelerated regain. These medications mimic a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness. "Artificially providing GLP-1 levels several times higher than the body's typical production might result in the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and could reduce sensitivity to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert. "Stopping of this hormone supplement leads to appetite is unsuppressed, making binge eating far more likely." A Lifelong Disease? Medical guidelines recommend the injections for people with weight-linked health risks, alongside recommended lifestyle changes. Professionals contend that, due to the significant potential of relapse, the therapy might need to be life-long. This perspective is echoed by drug manufacturers, who note that the results "highlight the chronic character of obesity," similar to managing conditions like diabetes. User Testimonies People who have come off the medication explain a powerful return of cravings. "It was like a switch activating and I was suddenly starving," recalled one woman. The struggle is exacerbated if users have not developed sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during treatment. Growing Use Figures indicate that millions of adults in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with desire being substantial. Use is greater among females compared to males. The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest usage rates. Many access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS. Ultimately, researchers caution that while the jabs are effective tools for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone cure and long-term success hinges on ongoing lifestyle changes.