A recent study suggests that people who come off popular GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro or Wegovy may regain shed pounds far faster than those who end traditional lifestyle programs.
Published data in a prominent health publication points out that while obese people often shed a large proportion of their body weight while on the medication, the weight returns at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Individuals using such treatments must be aware of the potential of quick rebound weight gain when the medication is stopped," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain means a return to pre-treatment weight in about 18 months.
Weighing Therapies
The research, which examined dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
Scientists note that individuals who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone usually have a less rapid weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Understanding the Quick Regain
Doctors suggest the mechanism of the jabs explains the accelerated regain.
These medications copy a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 levels far above than the body's typical production may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and could reduce responsiveness to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Discontinuation of this medication means hunger is uncontrolled, making binge eating much more probable."
A Chronic Issue?
The NHS advise the injections for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians contend that, considering the likelihood of relapse, the treatment should be considered long-term.
This view is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the results "emphasize the chronic nature of obesity," similar to managing conditions like hypertension.
User Experiences
Users who have come off the medication explain a powerful return of hunger.
"It was like a switch that goes on and I was suddenly starving," recalled a patient.
The struggle is compounded if users have not adopted lasting lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Significant Use
Figures suggest that a significant number of people in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with interest continuing to grow.
- Adoption is higher among women than males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many obtain the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Finally, researchers caution that while GLP-1 drugs are potent tools for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent fix and lasting health benefits hinges on combined lifestyle support.
