Fresh analysis suggests that people who discontinue popular GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on shed pounds far faster than those who stop conventional lifestyle regimens.
Published data in a prominent medical journal points out that while overweight individuals frequently drop a large proportion of their body weight while using the jabs, the mass returns at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"People buying these drugs should be informed of the danger of fast rebound weight gain when the treatment is stopped," stated researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery suggests a reversion to original weight in about one and a half years.
Weighing Treatments
The research, which examined dozens of studies involving thousands of participants, compared the outcomes of these new drugs with older methods.
Scientists emphasize that individuals who shed pounds through diet and exercise generally have a less rapid weight regain—around 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.
Explaining the Rapid Regain
Doctors suggest the mode of action of the jabs explains the accelerated regain.
The injections imitate a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates hunger.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 levels far above than the body's typical production could lead to the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and could diminish responsiveness to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to appetite is uncontrolled, making excessive eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Issue?
Health authorities advise the jabs for individuals with weight-linked health risks, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
Professionals argue that, given the high risk of relapse, the treatment is often long-term.
This view is supported by drug manufacturers, who note that the findings "highlight the chronic character of obesity," similar to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
Patient Experiences
People who have come off the medication describe a intense return of appetite.
"It was like a trigger activating and you're instantly extremely hungry," recalled a patient.
This challenge is compounded if patients have not established sustainable dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Growing Interest
Figures indicate that millions of people in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with interest continuing to grow.
- Use is greater among females compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Finally, researchers stress that while the jabs are powerful tools for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone cure and maintained weight loss likely depends on integrated behavioural support.
