A recent study reveals that patients who stop using popular GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover lost weight much more quickly than those who stop conventional lifestyle programs.
Findings released in a prominent health publication points out that while obese people can lose about a fifth of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the mass is regained at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"Users purchasing these treatments must be aware of the risk of quick weight regain when the medication ends," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery implies a return to original mass in about 18 months.
Comparing Therapies
The research, which reviewed dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the effects of these new drugs with older methods.
Researchers emphasize that individuals who lose weight through dieting generally see a less rapid weight regain—around 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
The Reason for the Rapid Rebound
Experts believe the mechanism of the injections explains the heightened weight return.
These medications mimic a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 levels far above than the body's typical production could lead to the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and may also diminish responsiveness to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement results in hunger is uncontrolled, making excessive eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Issue?
Medical guidelines recommend the injections for people with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians contend that, considering the significant potential of weight regain, the therapy should be considered ongoing.
This view is supported by drug manufacturers, who say that the results "highlight the chronic character of obesity," comparing it to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
User Experiences
Individuals who have discontinued the medication describe a powerful resurgence of hunger.
"It felt as if something activating and I was suddenly extremely hungry," described one woman.
The struggle is worsened if individuals have not developed sustainable dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Significant Use
Recent estimates indicate that a significant number of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with desire remaining high.
- Adoption is greater among women compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, clinicians emphasize that while these medications are powerful agents for shedding pounds, they are not a magic solution and maintained weight loss relies on combined lifestyle management.
