A recent study suggests that patients who discontinue blockbuster GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro or Wegovy may regain lost weight much more quickly than those who halt traditional diet and exercise regimens.
Research printed in a leading health publication points out that while obese individuals often shed substantial amounts of their total mass while using the jabs, the mass comes back at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"People buying these treatments must be cognizant of the danger of fast weight regain when the therapy ends," stated expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery suggests a reversion to starting weight within about a year and a half.
Weighing Approaches
The analysis, which reviewed dozens of trials involving thousands of participants, compared the effects of these new drugs with older methods.
Researchers emphasize that people who lose weight through diet and exercise typically have a more gradual creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Understanding the Rapid Rebound
Doctors propose the way of the jabs accounts for the heightened weight return.
The injections imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls hunger.
"Artificially providing the hormone levels several times higher than normal could lead to the body to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and could lessen sensitivity to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement results in hunger is no longer kept in check, making binge eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Issue?
Health authorities advise the injections for individuals with obesity-related health risks, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals contend that, considering the significant potential of relapse, the therapy should be considered ongoing.
This view is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the findings "emphasize the persistent nature of obesity," comparing it to managing diseases like diabetes.
Patient Accounts
People who have come off the medication describe a sudden return of appetite.
"I experienced something flipping and I was suddenly extremely hungry," recalled one woman.
The struggle is worsened if patients have not adopted permanent lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Growing Use
Figures show that millions of adults in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with demand remaining high.
- Adoption is higher among women than men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
In conclusion, experts caution that while GLP-1 drugs are effective agents for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent fix and long-term success likely depends on combined behavioural support.
