A recent study suggests that individuals who discontinue blockbuster GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover shed pounds much more quickly than those who halt conventional diet and exercise regimens.
Published data in a leading medical journal demonstrates that while obese people can lose substantial amounts of their total mass while using the jabs, the mass returns at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"People buying such treatments should be aware of the potential of rapid weight regain when the therapy ends," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain means a reversion to original mass in about one and a half years.
Weighing Therapies
The analysis, which reviewed dozens of trials involving thousands of patients, compared the effects of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
Researchers point out that people who lose weight through dieting generally have a more gradual weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Explaining the Rapid Rebound
Experts suggest the mechanism of the injections is key to understanding the accelerated regain.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 levels several times higher than normal may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also reduce sensitivity to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Discontinuation of this hormone supplement leads to hunger is unsuppressed, making excessive eating a significant risk."
An Ongoing Issue?
The NHS advise the injections for individuals with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts argue that, due to the likelihood of relapse, the treatment should be considered ongoing.
This opinion is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the findings "underscore the chronic nature of obesity," similar to managing conditions like diabetes.
User Accounts
Users who have come off the medication explain a intense resurgence of cravings.
"It felt as if a switch flipping and you become ravenous," recalled a patient.
This challenge is exacerbated if patients have not developed permanent dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Widespread Use
Figures suggest that millions of people in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with demand remaining high.
- Use is more common among females than males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, researchers emphasize that while the jabs are powerful tools for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone solution and maintained weight loss likely depends on ongoing behavioural support.
