Fresh analysis reveals that patients who come off popular GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro or Wegovy tend to recover shed pounds far faster than those who stop traditional diet and exercise plans.
Findings released in a prominent medical journal shows that while obese individuals can lose substantial amounts of their total mass while on the medication, the mass returns at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"People buying these treatments must be informed of the danger of rapid rebound weight gain when the treatment is stopped," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain means a return to starting weight in about one and a half years.
Weighing Treatments
The study, which looked at dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the outcomes of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
Scientists point out that people who shed pounds through dieting generally have a less rapid weight regain—around 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Fast Regain
Experts suggest the mechanism of the jabs explains the accelerated regain.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls hunger.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than normal may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and may also lessen responsiveness to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' results in hunger is no longer kept in check, making binge eating far more likely."
An Ongoing Condition?
Medical guidelines advise the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians contend that, considering the significant potential of weight regain, the treatment might need to be long-term.
This opinion is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "highlight the persistent character of obesity," similar to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
Patient Testimonies
Individuals who have stopped the jabs explain a powerful resurgence of hunger.
"I experienced something flipping and you're instantly starving," recalled an individual.
The struggle is exacerbated if users have not adopted lasting lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Significant Interest
Survey data show that millions of people in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with interest remaining high.
- Use is higher among females compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Ultimately, researchers stress that while the jabs are powerful tools for shedding pounds, they are not a magic cure and maintained weight loss likely depends on combined lifestyle changes.
