New research reveals that people who stop using popular GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on lost weight far faster than those who halt conventional diet and exercise programs.
Published data in a major medical journal points out that while obese individuals can lose about a fifth of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the mass returns at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"Users using these medications must be informed of the danger of quick weight regain when the therapy is stopped," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery implies a return to pre-treatment mass within about a year and a half.
Comparing Therapies
The study, which examined 37 of trials involving thousands of patients, contrasted the effects of these new drugs with other pills.
Scientists point out that people who lose weight through diet and exercise generally have a less rapid weight regain—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Understanding the Rapid Regain
Doctors suggest the mode of action of the injections explains the accelerated rebound.
These medications mimic a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate hunger.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone levels several times higher than the body's typical production might result in the body to produce less of its own natural hormone, and could reduce responsiveness to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement means hunger is unsuppressed, making binge eating far more likely."
A Lifelong Condition?
Medical guidelines recommend the jabs for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians say that, due to the likelihood of weight regain, the therapy should be considered long-term.
This opinion is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the results "underscore the persistent nature of excess weight," comparing it to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
User Experiences
Users who have stopped the jabs explain a intense return of hunger.
"It felt as if something activating and I was suddenly extremely hungry," recalled a patient.
This difficulty is compounded if patients have not adopted sustainable lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Significant Use
Figures indicate that millions of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand being substantial.
- Use is more common among women compared to males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest usage rates.
- Many access the medications through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
In conclusion, clinicians stress that while the jabs are potent tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent solution and maintained weight loss hinges on ongoing lifestyle changes.
