A recent study reveals that patients who stop using popular GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on shed pounds far faster than those who end traditional diet and exercise programs.
Findings released in a prominent medical journal points out that while overweight people often shed substantial amounts of their total mass while on the medication, the mass comes back at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"People purchasing such medications should be aware of the potential of fast weight regain when the therapy is stopped," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery suggests a reversion to pre-treatment mass in about a year and a half.
Weighing Therapies
The research, which reviewed dozens of trials involving thousands of patients, compared the outcomes of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
The team emphasize that people who shed pounds through dieting usually experience a less rapid creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
Explaining the Quick Rebound
Nutrition scientists believe the mode of action of the drugs is key to understanding the amplified regain.
These medications mimic a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which moderates feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and could diminish responsiveness to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Discontinuation of this GLP-1 'fix' means appetite is unsuppressed, making overeating far more likely."
A Lifelong Issue?
Health authorities advise the injections for people with obesity-related health risks, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians argue that, considering the likelihood of weight regain, the therapy should be considered ongoing.
This view is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "highlight the chronic nature of obesity," comparing it to managing conditions like hypertension.
Patient Accounts
Users who have come off the jabs describe a sudden resurgence of appetite.
"I experienced a trigger flipping and you become extremely hungry," said one woman.
The struggle is exacerbated if users have not developed sustainable lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Significant Adoption
Survey data show that a significant number of adults in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with desire being substantial.
- Use is higher among women compared to men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest level of interest.
- Many obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, researchers caution that while these medications are powerful agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent solution and maintained weight loss relies on ongoing lifestyle changes.
