New research suggests that individuals who come off new GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop traditional lifestyle regimens.
Findings released in a leading medical journal demonstrates that while overweight individuals can lose substantial amounts of their body weight while using the jabs, the mass is regained at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"Users using these treatments must be informed of the potential of rapid weight regain when the treatment is stopped," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain means a return to original mass within about a year and a half.
Analyzing Approaches
The study, which reviewed 37 of trials involving thousands of participants, contrasted the results of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
The team note that people who lose weight through diet and exercise usually have a less rapid creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Quick Rebound
Experts believe the way of the injections is key to understanding the accelerated rebound.
The injections imitate a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate hunger.
"Long-term administration of 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 sensitivity to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to hunger is no longer kept in check, making binge eating a significant risk."
An Ongoing Condition?
Medical guidelines advise the jabs for individuals with obesity-related health risks, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals say that, due to the likelihood of weight regain, the treatment should be considered life-long.
This view is echoed by drug manufacturers, who state that the results "emphasize the chronic nature of obesity," akin to managing conditions like hypertension.
Patient Experiences
Users who have discontinued the jabs report a sudden return of cravings.
"It was like a trigger activating and you become extremely hungry," described one woman.
The struggle is exacerbated if individuals have not adopted lasting lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Growing Use
Figures suggest that a significant number of people in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with demand continuing to grow.
- Use is more common among females than males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, clinicians emphasize that while these medications are effective tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent cure and long-term success likely depends on combined behavioural changes.
