A recent study indicates that people who stop using popular GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain lost weight much more quickly than those who halt conventional lifestyle plans.
Published data in a leading medical journal points out that while overweight people often shed substantial amounts of their total mass while on the medication, the mass returns at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"Users purchasing these drugs should be informed of the potential of fast rebound weight gain when the treatment ends," stated expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain suggests a return to starting weight within about a year and a half.
Weighing Treatments
The analysis, which reviewed 37 of studies involving thousands of patients, contrasted the outcomes of these new drugs with older methods.
The team emphasize that individuals who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone usually experience a less rapid weight regain—around 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
Understanding the Rapid Rebound
Doctors suggest the mechanism of the drugs is key to understanding the heightened regain.
The injections imitate a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Long-term administration of the hormone levels several times higher than the body's typical production may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and could diminish sensitivity to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Discontinuation of this hormone supplement results in appetite is no longer kept in check, making binge eating much more probable."
A Chronic Condition?
Health authorities suggest the injections for people with weight-linked health risks, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts argue that, given the significant potential of weight regain, the treatment might need to be ongoing.
This perspective is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who say that the findings "underscore the long-term character of obesity," similar to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Experiences
People who have discontinued the medication report a intense return of hunger.
"It was like a switch flipping and you become extremely hungry," said an individual.
The struggle is exacerbated if patients have not adopted sustainable lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Significant Adoption
Survey data suggest that millions of adults in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with demand remaining high.
- Use is greater among females compared to males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, clinicians emphasize that while the jabs are effective agents for shedding pounds, they are not a magic cure and lasting health benefits relies on combined behavioural changes.
