New research suggests that patients who discontinue popular GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who end conventional diet and exercise plans.
Published data in a leading medical journal points out that while overweight individuals often shed a large proportion of their total mass while using the jabs, the mass comes back at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"Users buying these treatments need to be aware of the risk of quick rebound weight gain when the therapy concludes," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery suggests a return to original mass within about a year and a half.
Analyzing Therapies
The study, which looked at 37 of trials involving thousands of patients, contrasted the effects of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
The team emphasize that individuals who shed pounds through diet and exercise usually experience a less rapid weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Quick Rebound
Nutrition scientists believe the way of the drugs explains the accelerated regain.
The injections imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Artificially providing the hormone levels several times higher than normal may cause the body to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and could reduce responsiveness to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement results in appetite is unsuppressed, making binge eating far more likely."
A Chronic Disease?
The NHS advise the injections for people with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts contend that, considering the significant potential of weight regain, the treatment might need to be ongoing.
This opinion is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the findings "underscore the chronic character of excess weight," similar to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Experiences
People who have stopped the jabs report a sudden return of cravings.
"It felt as if something flipping and you're instantly ravenous," recalled a patient.
The struggle is worsened if individuals have not adopted lasting lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Growing Interest
Recent estimates suggest that millions of people in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with desire remaining high.
- Use is more common among women than males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
In conclusion, researchers stress that while these medications are powerful agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone solution and long-term success hinges on ongoing lifestyle changes.
