A recent study suggests that people who come off popular GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro or Wegovy tend to recover lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop conventional diet and exercise plans.
Research printed in a leading health publication points out that while overweight individuals often shed about a fifth of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the mass returns at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"People using such drugs need to be aware of the danger of quick rebound weight gain when the treatment concludes," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery means a return to starting mass in about 18 months.
Comparing Treatments
The study, which reviewed 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the outcomes of these new drugs with older methods.
Scientists emphasize that individuals who lose weight through dieting generally see a less rapid creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Understanding the Rapid Regain
Experts suggest the mechanism of the drugs explains the accelerated weight return.
These medications mimic a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls appetite.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone levels far above than the body's typical production could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and could diminish sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Discontinuation of this hormone supplement leads to appetite is unsuppressed, making binge eating a significant risk."
An Ongoing Condition?
Health authorities advise the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts contend that, given the high risk of weight regain, the therapy might need to be ongoing.
This perspective is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the findings "highlight the persistent character of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
User Experiences
People who have discontinued the medication describe a intense return of appetite.
"It was like a switch that goes on and you're instantly starving," described a patient.
This difficulty is exacerbated if patients have not adopted lasting lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Significant Use
Recent estimates show that millions of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand remaining high.
- Use is greater among women compared to males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, researchers caution that while these medications are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a magic cure and lasting health benefits likely depends on integrated behavioural changes.