New research indicates that people who discontinue popular GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on shed pounds much more quickly than those who halt conventional diet and exercise programs.
Published data in a prominent health publication shows that while obese people can lose a large proportion of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the mass returns at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"People using these treatments should be informed of the potential of fast rebound weight gain when the therapy concludes," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain implies a reversion to pre-treatment mass within about a year and a half.
Weighing Treatments
The study, which reviewed dozens of studies involving thousands of participants, contrasted the outcomes of the injectable medications with older methods.
Scientists note that individuals who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone generally have a more gradual creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Fast Regain
Nutrition scientists suggest the mechanism of the injections explains the amplified weight return.
The injections imitate a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone levels far above than the body's typical production might result in the body to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and may also lessen sensitivity to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' results in hunger is uncontrolled, making binge eating far more likely."
A Lifelong Disease?
The NHS advise the injections for individuals with obesity-related health risks, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians contend that, considering the likelihood of relapse, the therapy is often ongoing.
This opinion is supported by drug manufacturers, who say that the findings "underscore the persistent character of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
User Experiences
Individuals who have come off the medication explain a intense resurgence of hunger.
"It was like something activating and you're instantly extremely hungry," recalled a patient.
This difficulty is compounded if patients have not established permanent dietary or behavioural modifications during treatment.
Growing Interest
Recent estimates suggest that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with interest continuing to grow.
- Adoption is more common among females than men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Finally, clinicians stress that while GLP-1 drugs are potent agents for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone fix and lasting health benefits likely depends on combined lifestyle management.
