New research reveals that patients who come off new GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover lost weight much more quickly than those who halt traditional lifestyle plans.
Findings released in a prominent health publication points out that while obese people frequently drop about a fifth of their body weight while using the jabs, the mass comes back at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Users using such medications need to be aware of the potential of fast rebound weight gain when the medication ends," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain suggests a return to pre-treatment weight within about a year and a half.
Analyzing Approaches
The analysis, which looked at 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the effects of GLP-1 agonists with other pills.
Researchers note that individuals who lose weight through dieting generally have a more gradual creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Fast Regain
Nutrition scientists believe the mode of action of the drugs is key to understanding the accelerated regain.
The injections copy a natural hormone called GLP-1, which controls hunger.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 levels several times higher than normal may cause the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and could diminish sensitivity to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Discontinuation of this medication means hunger is uncontrolled, making excessive eating far more likely."
A Lifelong Disease?
Medical guidelines recommend the injections for individuals with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts say that, considering the likelihood of weight regain, the therapy is often ongoing.
This opinion is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the results "highlight the long-term character of obesity," akin to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
Patient Accounts
People who have discontinued the jabs explain a intense return of hunger.
"It felt as if something flipping and you're instantly ravenous," described a patient.
This difficulty is compounded if patients have not developed lasting lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Widespread Interest
Recent estimates show that a significant number of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with interest continuing to grow.
- Adoption is more common among women than males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest level of interest.
- Many obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Ultimately, clinicians caution that while GLP-1 drugs are effective tools for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent fix and long-term success likely depends on combined lifestyle changes.
