A recent study suggests that people who stop using popular GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro or Wegovy tend to recover shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt conventional lifestyle programs.
Published data in a major medical journal points out that while obese people often shed a large proportion of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the mass is regained at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Users using such medications must be cognizant of the risk of fast rebound weight gain when the therapy concludes," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery suggests a reversion to original mass within about a year and a half.
Weighing Treatments
The research, which examined dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the effects of these new drugs with older methods.
The team emphasize that people who shed pounds through dieting typically see a slower creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Explaining the Fast Regain
Experts propose the mechanism of the jabs accounts for the amplified rebound.
The injections copy a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates appetite.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 levels several times higher than normal may cause the system to produce less of its own natural hormone, and could diminish responsiveness to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement leads to appetite is uncontrolled, making binge eating far more likely."
An Ongoing Issue?
Health authorities advise the injections for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals argue that, given the high risk of relapse, the therapy might need to be ongoing.
This view is supported by drug manufacturers, who say that the results "underscore the long-term nature of obesity," akin to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
User Experiences
Users who have discontinued the jabs explain a intense resurgence of hunger.
"I experienced something that goes on and you're instantly ravenous," said an individual.
The struggle is compounded if individuals have not adopted lasting dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Significant Adoption
Figures indicate that a significant number of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand being substantial.
- Adoption is higher among women than males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
In conclusion, experts stress that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful agents for weight loss, they are not a magic solution and maintained weight loss relies on combined behavioural changes.
