New research reveals that people who come off blockbuster GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt conventional lifestyle regimens.
Findings released in a prominent medical journal demonstrates that while overweight individuals frequently drop about a fifth of their total mass while on the medication, the weight returns at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"Users using such medications should be cognizant of the danger of fast weight regain when the treatment is stopped," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery implies a reversion to original mass within about one and a half years.
Comparing Therapies
The research, which examined 37 of studies involving thousands of participants, contrasted the effects of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
The team note that people who shed pounds through dieting typically see a less rapid creep back—around 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
The Reason for the Rapid Regain
Nutrition scientists suggest the mechanism of the injections explains the heightened rebound.
The injections imitate a natural hormone called GLP-1, which moderates appetite.
"Long-term administration of the hormone concentrations several times higher than normal may cause the body to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and may also reduce responsiveness to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to hunger is uncontrolled, making overeating a significant risk."
A Lifelong Disease?
Medical guidelines suggest the injections for people with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by recommended lifestyle changes.
Many experts argue that, due to the high risk of weight regain, the treatment might need to be long-term.
This perspective is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the results "highlight the long-term nature of obesity," similar to managing conditions like diabetes.
User Accounts
Users who have stopped the jabs describe a powerful return of appetite.
"It was like a switch flipping and I was suddenly starving," said an individual.
The struggle is worsened if users have not developed sustainable dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Significant Interest
Survey data 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 compared to men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
In conclusion, experts emphasize that while the jabs are effective tools for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent fix and long-term success relies on integrated behavioural changes.
