New research reveals that patients who stop using new GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who end traditional diet and exercise plans.
Published data in a prominent medical journal demonstrates that while obese people often shed about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the weight returns at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"Users purchasing such medications need to be cognizant of the risk of quick weight regain when the therapy concludes," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain implies a reversion to pre-treatment weight within about one and a half years.
Weighing Approaches
The research, which examined 37 of studies involving thousands of participants, compared the results of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
Scientists note that individuals who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone generally have a more gradual creep back—around 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
The Reason for the Rapid Rebound
Doctors suggest the mode of action of the jabs is key to understanding the amplified rebound.
GLP-1 drugs copy a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates hunger.
"Artificially providing the hormone levels several times higher than normal could lead to the system to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and could reduce sensitivity to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement means appetite is uncontrolled, making binge eating much more probable."
A Lifelong Issue?
Medical guidelines recommend the jabs for people with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals contend that, considering the likelihood of weight regain, the therapy is often life-long.
This view is echoed by drug manufacturers, who say that the results "underscore the chronic character of obesity," akin to managing conditions like diabetes.
User Experiences
People who have discontinued the jabs explain a intense return of hunger.
"It felt as if something flipping and you're instantly starving," recalled a patient.
This difficulty is worsened if patients have not adopted lasting lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Widespread Adoption
Survey data suggest that a significant number of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand being substantial.
- Use is greater among women compared to males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, researchers caution that while these medications are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent fix and maintained weight loss likely depends on integrated lifestyle support.
