A recent study indicates that people who come off popular GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro or Wegovy may regain shed pounds far faster than those who end traditional lifestyle regimens.
Findings released in a major health publication shows that while overweight people often shed substantial amounts of their total mass while using the jabs, the mass returns at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Individuals buying these medications should be aware of the danger of rapid rebound weight gain when the therapy is stopped," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain implies a return to pre-treatment weight within about one and a half years.
Weighing Treatments
The research, which reviewed 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the outcomes of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
The team note that individuals who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone generally experience a less rapid weight regain—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Quick Rebound
Doctors suggest the way of the drugs accounts for the amplified weight return.
These medications imitate a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates appetite.
"Artificially providing the hormone levels several times higher than normal could lead to the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and could lessen sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to hunger is uncontrolled, making excessive eating far more likely."
A Lifelong Disease?
Health authorities advise the injections for people with obesity-related health risks, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians contend that, considering the likelihood of weight regain, the treatment is often ongoing.
This view is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who state that the findings "highlight the persistent nature of obesity," akin to managing diseases like hypertension.
Patient Experiences
People who have come off the medication explain a intense resurgence of appetite.
"It was like a trigger activating and I was suddenly ravenous," described a patient.
The struggle is compounded if users have not developed permanent lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Growing Interest
Recent estimates show that millions of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with demand continuing to grow.
- Use is higher among women compared to men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Ultimately, experts emphasize that while these medications are potent tools for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone fix and maintained weight loss likely depends on combined behavioural support.
