New research reveals that patients who stop using popular GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on lost weight much more quickly than those who stop conventional diet and exercise regimens.
Findings released in a prominent medical journal demonstrates that while overweight people 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 upon discontinuation.
"Individuals using such medications need to be aware of the potential of rapid weight regain when the therapy ends," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain suggests a return to original weight within about 18 months.
Analyzing Treatments
The analysis, which reviewed dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the results of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
Researchers point out that individuals who lose weight through diet and exercise typically see a less rapid weight regain—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Rapid Regain
Doctors suggest the mode of action of the jabs explains the accelerated regain.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates appetite.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 concentrations far above than normal could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and may also reduce sensitivity to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement results in hunger is unsuppressed, making excessive eating a significant risk."
An Ongoing Disease?
The NHS suggest the jabs for people with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts argue that, considering the significant potential of relapse, the therapy is often long-term.
This perspective is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the results "underscore the persistent nature of excess weight," similar to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Accounts
Users who have discontinued the jabs report a sudden return of hunger.
"It was like a switch activating and you become starving," recalled one woman.
This difficulty is worsened if individuals have not adopted lasting dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Growing Adoption
Recent estimates show that a significant number of people in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with desire being substantial.
- Adoption is more common among females than males.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Finally, experts caution that while these medications are powerful agents for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent solution and maintained weight loss hinges on integrated behavioural management.
