New research indicates that people who discontinue popular GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop traditional lifestyle programs.
Research printed in a major health publication points out that while obese people frequently drop a large proportion of their body weight while on the medication, the mass is regained at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Individuals buying these medications must be aware of the potential of fast rebound weight gain when the medication is stopped," stated expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain suggests a return to pre-treatment weight in about 18 months.
Comparing Approaches
The research, which reviewed 37 of studies involving thousands of patients, contrasted the effects of these new drugs with older methods.
Scientists emphasize that individuals who shed pounds through dieting generally have a slower creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Fast Regain
Nutrition scientists propose the way of the drugs explains the amplified regain.
These medications copy a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing the hormone levels several times higher than the body's typical production could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and could reduce sensitivity to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' results in appetite is unsuppressed, making binge eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Disease?
Health authorities advise the injections for people with weight-linked health risks, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians say that, due to the significant potential of relapse, the treatment might need to be ongoing.
This perspective is echoed by drug manufacturers, who state that the results "underscore the chronic nature of obesity," akin to managing diseases like hypertension.
User Accounts
Users who have come off the medication explain a sudden resurgence of hunger.
"I experienced a switch activating and you become starving," described one woman.
The struggle is exacerbated if patients have not established lasting lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Significant Interest
Survey data show that millions of people in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with demand remaining high.
- Adoption is more common among women compared to men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
In conclusion, clinicians emphasize that while the jabs are effective agents for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent solution and long-term success likely depends on ongoing behavioural management.
