New research reveals that people who stop using new GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt traditional diet and exercise regimens.
Published data in a leading medical journal points out that while overweight individuals can lose substantial amounts of their body weight while on the medication, the mass returns at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"People buying these treatments should be cognizant of the risk of quick weight regain when the treatment concludes," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery means a reversion to original weight within about a year and a half.
Analyzing Treatments
The research, which examined dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with other pills.
The team point out that people who lose weight through diet and exercise generally have a more gradual weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Quick Rebound
Experts suggest the mode of action of the drugs is key to understanding the accelerated weight return.
These medications copy a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production could lead to the system to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and may also diminish sensitivity to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement leads to appetite is unsuppressed, making overeating much more probable."
A Lifelong 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 is often life-long.
This view is echoed by drug manufacturers, who state that the results "underscore the persistent nature of excess weight," akin to managing conditions like diabetes.
User Testimonies
Individuals who have come off the jabs report a powerful resurgence of appetite.
"It felt as if a switch that goes on and you're instantly starving," described an individual.
The struggle is worsened if users have not established permanent lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Significant Interest
Figures suggest that millions of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with desire continuing to grow.
- Use is higher among females compared to men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest level of interest.
- Many obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, researchers emphasize that while GLP-1 drugs are potent tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent cure and maintained weight loss hinges on ongoing lifestyle management.
