Fresh analysis suggests that individuals who stop using popular GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who end traditional diet and exercise regimens.
Published data in a major medical journal points out that while obese people often shed about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the mass returns at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"People buying these drugs should be aware of the risk of fast weight regain when the medication ends," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery means a reversion to original mass in about 18 months.
Analyzing Approaches
The analysis, which examined dozens of studies involving thousands of patients, compared the results of these new drugs with older methods.
The team emphasize that people who shed pounds through diet and exercise typically have a more gradual weight regain—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Understanding the Quick Rebound
Experts propose the mechanism of the injections explains the heightened weight return.
The injections copy a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone concentrations several times higher than normal may cause the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and could lessen sensitivity to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement leads to appetite is uncontrolled, making excessive eating a significant risk."
An Ongoing Disease?
Medical guidelines recommend the jabs for people with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by recommended lifestyle changes.
Professionals say that, due to the likelihood of weight regain, the treatment might need to be life-long.
This perspective is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "underscore the persistent nature of excess weight," similar to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
Patient Experiences
Individuals who have stopped the medication describe a sudden return of hunger.
"It was like a trigger flipping and I was suddenly starving," recalled an individual.
This difficulty is compounded if patients have not established lasting lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Significant Adoption
Survey data indicate that millions of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with interest being substantial.
- Use is greater among females compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many access the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
In conclusion, researchers caution that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone fix and maintained weight loss hinges on ongoing behavioural support.
