New research reveals that individuals who stop using popular GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop traditional lifestyle plans.
Research printed in a leading medical journal demonstrates that while overweight people frequently drop substantial amounts of their body weight while on the medication, the weight comes back at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Users using such medications should be informed of the risk of rapid weight regain when the treatment is stopped," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery suggests a return to starting mass within about 18 months.
Analyzing Approaches
The analysis, which reviewed dozens of trials involving thousands of participants, contrasted the outcomes of these new drugs with older methods.
Researchers point out that individuals who lose weight through dieting typically see a slower weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Quick Rebound
Nutrition scientists propose the mechanism of the jabs accounts for the heightened weight return.
The injections mimic a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls appetite.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 concentrations far above than the body's typical production could lead to the system to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and could reduce responsiveness to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' results in appetite is no longer kept in check, making binge eating far more likely."
A Lifelong Condition?
Medical guidelines suggest the jabs for people with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts argue that, given the significant potential of relapse, the treatment should be considered long-term.
This view is supported by drug manufacturers, who note that the findings "underscore the long-term nature of obesity," akin to managing diseases like hypertension.
Patient Testimonies
People who have come off the jabs describe a intense resurgence of appetite.
"It felt as if a trigger activating and you're instantly ravenous," recalled one woman.
This difficulty is worsened if individuals have not adopted lasting lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Widespread Use
Recent estimates show that a significant number of people in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with demand being substantial.
- Use is higher among females compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Finally, researchers stress that while GLP-1 drugs are effective tools for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone solution and maintained weight loss relies on combined lifestyle support.
