A recent study reveals that patients who come off blockbuster GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro or Wegovy tend to recover lost weight far faster than those who stop traditional lifestyle plans.
Findings released in a leading health publication demonstrates that while overweight individuals frequently drop about a fifth of their body weight while using the jabs, the mass returns at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Individuals purchasing these treatments need to be cognizant of the risk of rapid weight regain when the therapy concludes," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery means a reversion to pre-treatment mass in about one and a half years.
Analyzing Approaches
The study, which looked at dozens of trials involving thousands of participants, contrasted the outcomes of the injectable medications with other pills.
The team emphasize that people who lose weight through dieting usually experience a slower creep back—perhaps 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
The Reason for the Rapid Regain
Doctors believe the mode of action of the injections explains the heightened regain.
These medications mimic a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing the hormone concentrations far above than the body's typical production might result in the body to produce less of its own natural hormone, and may also reduce responsiveness to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Withdrawal of this medication means appetite is unsuppressed, making binge eating far more likely."
A Chronic Disease?
Medical guidelines suggest the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals say that, considering the significant potential of relapse, the therapy is often ongoing.
This view is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the results "underscore the long-term character of excess weight," similar to managing diseases like diabetes.
User Testimonies
Individuals who have discontinued the jabs explain a intense resurgence of hunger.
"I experienced a trigger activating and I was suddenly extremely hungry," recalled one woman.
The struggle is worsened if individuals have not adopted lasting dietary or behavioural modifications during treatment.
Significant Adoption
Figures indicate that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand continuing to grow.
- Adoption is higher among women compared to males.
- 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, researchers stress that while these medications are powerful tools for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent cure and long-term success relies on combined lifestyle management.
