Fresh analysis reveals that people who come off popular GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on shed pounds far faster than those who stop conventional lifestyle programs.
Research printed in a prominent medical journal points out that while overweight people often shed substantial amounts of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the weight returns at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"Users purchasing such drugs should be cognizant of the danger of quick weight regain when the therapy ends," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain means a return to original weight within about one and a half years.
Analyzing Therapies
The study, which examined 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the effects of the injectable medications with other pills.
Scientists note that people who shed pounds through dieting typically see a slower creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Explaining the Fast Regain
Doctors propose the mode of action of the jabs explains the accelerated regain.
The injections mimic a natural hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate hunger.
"Artificially providing the hormone concentrations several times higher than normal may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and could diminish responsiveness to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Stopping of this medication results in appetite is unsuppressed, making binge eating far more likely."
An Ongoing Disease?
Medical guidelines advise the jabs for people with weight-linked health risks, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals say that, considering the significant potential of weight regain, the treatment is often long-term.
This opinion is echoed by drug manufacturers, who note that the results "emphasize the chronic character of obesity," similar to managing diseases like hypertension.
Patient Experiences
People who have come off the jabs report a sudden return of appetite.
"It felt as if a switch that goes on and you become starving," described an individual.
The struggle is exacerbated if users have not established sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Significant Adoption
Survey data indicate that millions of people in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with interest continuing to grow.
- Adoption is higher among women compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Ultimately, experts emphasize that while GLP-1 drugs are effective tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent fix and long-term success relies on ongoing behavioural management.
