A recent study indicates that people who come off popular GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on lost weight far faster than those who end conventional diet and exercise programs.
Research printed in a major medical journal demonstrates that while obese individuals can lose substantial amounts of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the mass comes back at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Users purchasing these medications must be aware of the potential of quick weight regain when the therapy ends," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery means a reversion to pre-treatment weight in about a year and a half.
Weighing Therapies
The study, which looked at dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the outcomes of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
The team emphasize that people who lose weight through diet and exercise typically experience a less rapid weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Explaining the Rapid Rebound
Experts propose the mode of action of the jabs explains the heightened weight return.
These medications copy a natural hormone called GLP-1, which controls hunger.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone concentrations far above than normal may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and may also diminish sensitivity to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement results in hunger is uncontrolled, making binge eating far more likely."
An Ongoing Issue?
The NHS recommend the injections for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians say that, given the significant potential of weight regain, the treatment should be considered long-term.
This opinion is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "underscore the long-term character of obesity," akin to managing conditions like diabetes.
Patient Testimonies
People who have discontinued the jabs explain a powerful resurgence of hunger.
"It felt as if a switch activating and I was suddenly starving," described one woman.
The struggle is worsened if patients have not established lasting lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Widespread Use
Survey data show that millions of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand being substantial.
- Use is greater among females than men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many access the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, clinicians caution that while these medications are powerful agents for shedding pounds, they are not a magic fix and long-term success likely depends on combined behavioural changes.
