New research suggests that individuals who stop using new GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on shed pounds far faster than those who end conventional diet and exercise plans.
Published data in a major medical journal shows that while obese people can lose a large proportion of their total mass while using the jabs, the mass returns at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"Users buying such drugs need to be cognizant of the potential of quick rebound weight gain when the therapy ends," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery means a reversion to original weight within about a year and a half.
Analyzing Therapies
The analysis, which looked at 37 of trials involving thousands of patients, compared the outcomes of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
Researchers point out that individuals who lose weight through diet and exercise usually experience a slower weight regain—approximately 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.
Understanding the Quick Regain
Experts believe the mechanism of the drugs explains the heightened weight return.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a natural hormone called GLP-1, which controls appetite.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 concentrations far above than the body's typical production could lead to the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and may also reduce responsiveness to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Withdrawal of this medication results in appetite is no longer kept in check, making binge eating far more likely."
An Ongoing Condition?
Medical guidelines recommend the injections for people with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals contend that, due to the high risk of weight regain, the therapy should be considered life-long.
This perspective is supported by drug manufacturers, who say that the results "highlight the chronic nature of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
Patient Accounts
People who have discontinued the medication describe a powerful resurgence of hunger.
"It felt as if a trigger flipping and you become ravenous," described an individual.
The struggle is worsened if patients have not established lasting lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Growing Adoption
Recent estimates indicate that a significant number of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with desire remaining high.
- Use is more common among females than males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, clinicians caution that while the jabs are powerful agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent fix and maintained weight loss relies on integrated behavioural management.
