A recent study indicates that people who discontinue new GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on shed pounds much more quickly than those who halt traditional diet and exercise plans.
Published data in a leading health publication points out that while obese individuals can lose a large proportion of their body weight while on the medication, the weight comes back at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Individuals using such treatments need to be cognizant of the potential of fast rebound weight gain when the therapy concludes," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery means a reversion to original mass in about a year and a half.
Comparing Approaches
The research, which examined 37 of studies involving thousands of patients, compared the effects of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
Scientists note that individuals who lose weight through diet and exercise usually see a less rapid weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
Explaining the Fast Regain
Doctors suggest the mechanism of the drugs accounts for the accelerated regain.
The injections mimic a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which moderates appetite.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 levels far above than normal might result in the system to produce less of its endogenous GLP-1, and could diminish sensitivity to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Discontinuation of this GLP-1 'fix' results in appetite is no longer kept in check, making binge eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Disease?
Medical guidelines recommend the injections for people with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals contend that, considering the significant potential of relapse, the treatment might need to be life-long.
This perspective is echoed by drug manufacturers, who state that the findings "highlight the long-term nature of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like diabetes.
User Accounts
Users who have come off the jabs report a sudden return of appetite.
"It was like something flipping and you're instantly extremely hungry," described one woman.
The struggle is worsened if patients have not adopted permanent lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Growing Interest
Survey data show that millions of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with demand continuing to grow.
- Adoption is greater among women than men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, researchers stress that while these medications are powerful tools for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent solution and long-term success hinges on integrated lifestyle support.
