New research indicates that people who come off popular GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on lost weight much more quickly than those who halt traditional lifestyle programs.
Research printed in a prominent medical journal shows that while obese individuals frequently drop about a fifth of their total mass while on the medication, the mass is regained at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"People purchasing these medications must be informed of the danger of rapid rebound weight gain when the treatment concludes," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain implies a reversion to original mass within about one and a half years.
Analyzing Therapies
The analysis, which reviewed 37 of studies involving thousands of patients, compared the outcomes of the injectable medications with older methods.
The team point out that individuals who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone typically have a less rapid creep back—approximately 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
The Reason for the Fast Regain
Doctors suggest the mechanism of the injections explains the accelerated rebound.
GLP-1 drugs copy a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of the hormone concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production may cause the system to produce less of its own natural hormone, and may also reduce sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Stopping of this medication means hunger is uncontrolled, making binge eating a significant risk."
A Lifelong Condition?
Health authorities recommend the jabs for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts argue that, given the high risk of relapse, the treatment might need to be long-term.
This perspective is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the findings "underscore the persistent character of obesity," similar to managing diseases like hypertension.
Patient Experiences
People who have come off the medication explain a intense resurgence of appetite.
"It was like a switch activating and you become ravenous," described a patient.
This challenge is exacerbated if users have not established sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Significant Use
Recent estimates suggest that a significant number of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with desire remaining high.
- Use is higher among females compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Finally, clinicians stress that while these medications are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a magic fix and maintained weight loss relies on combined lifestyle management.
