New research reveals that patients who come off blockbuster GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain shed pounds much more quickly than those who stop conventional lifestyle plans.
Research printed in a major medical journal points out that while overweight people can lose about a fifth of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the mass returns at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Individuals using these drugs need to be informed of the potential of quick rebound weight gain when the treatment is stopped," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain implies a return to pre-treatment weight in about one and a half years.
Comparing Treatments
The analysis, which reviewed dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the results of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
Scientists note that people who lose weight through diet and exercise typically have a slower creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Quick Rebound
Doctors propose the way of the injections is key to understanding the heightened regain.
These medications copy a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of the hormone concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and may also reduce responsiveness to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement leads to hunger is uncontrolled, making excessive eating much more probable."
A Chronic Disease?
Health authorities recommend the jabs for people with weight-linked health risks, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians contend that, given the significant potential of relapse, the therapy is often long-term.
This opinion is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "underscore the persistent character of excess weight," comparing it to managing diseases like diabetes.
User Experiences
Users who have discontinued the medication report a powerful return of hunger.
"It felt as if something that goes on and I was suddenly starving," described one woman.
This difficulty is worsened if individuals have not adopted sustainable lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Widespread Interest
Recent estimates indicate that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with desire being substantial.
- Adoption is more common among women compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, experts caution that while the jabs are potent tools for weight loss, they are not a standalone cure and lasting health benefits likely depends on ongoing behavioural changes.
