New research indicates that people who stop using popular GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on reduced body mass much more quickly than those who stop conventional lifestyle plans.
Research printed in a prominent health publication demonstrates that while overweight individuals often shed about a fifth of their total mass while on the medication, the mass comes back at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"People using these treatments need to be aware of the danger of fast weight regain when the treatment is stopped," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery implies a return to original mass within about one and a half years.
Analyzing Approaches
The study, which examined 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the effects of these new drugs with other pills.
Researchers note that people who lose weight through diet and exercise typically experience a more gradual weight regain—perhaps 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.
Understanding the Fast Regain
Nutrition scientists propose the mode of action of the drugs explains the amplified weight return.
The injections copy a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than normal could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and may also reduce sensitivity to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Discontinuation of this GLP-1 'fix' results in appetite is no longer kept in check, making binge eating much more probable."
A Lifelong Condition?
Health authorities suggest the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals say that, given the significant potential of relapse, the treatment might need to be long-term.
This perspective is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the findings "highlight the persistent character of obesity," similar to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
Patient Accounts
People who have stopped the jabs explain a intense resurgence of cravings.
"It felt as if something flipping and you become extremely hungry," said one woman.
This challenge is exacerbated if individuals have not adopted permanent dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Growing Interest
Figures indicate that millions of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with interest being substantial.
- Adoption is greater among women than men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- Many obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Finally, clinicians stress that while the jabs are powerful agents for shedding pounds, they are not a magic solution and maintained weight loss relies on ongoing lifestyle management.
