New research reveals that people who stop using blockbuster GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on lost weight far faster than those who halt conventional lifestyle regimens.
Research printed in a prominent medical journal demonstrates that while overweight people can lose substantial amounts of their total mass while using the jabs, the mass comes back at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"Users using such treatments need to be informed of the potential of rapid rebound weight gain when the treatment ends," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery means a return to original weight within about one and a half years.
Analyzing Approaches
The research, which examined dozens of studies involving thousands of patients, compared the effects of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
The team point out that people who lose weight through diet and exercise usually have a more gradual creep back—around 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
The Reason for the Quick Rebound
Experts propose the mechanism of the jabs accounts for the heightened weight return.
GLP-1 drugs copy a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 levels several times higher than the body's typical production could lead to the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also lessen sensitivity to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement means appetite is uncontrolled, making excessive eating much more probable."
A Lifelong Issue?
The NHS recommend the injections for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians argue that, given the high risk of relapse, the therapy might need to be long-term.
This view is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the findings "highlight the long-term nature of excess weight," comparing it to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Accounts
Users who have stopped the medication report a sudden resurgence of hunger.
"It was like a switch that goes on and you become starving," said a patient.
This difficulty is worsened if users have not established lasting dietary or behavioural modifications during treatment.
Significant Use
Figures show that a significant number of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with interest remaining high.
- Adoption is higher among females than males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Finally, clinicians emphasize that while GLP-1 drugs are potent tools for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent cure and lasting health benefits relies on ongoing behavioural changes.
