A recent study reveals that patients who come off blockbuster GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain lost weight much more quickly than those who end conventional lifestyle programs.
Research printed in a leading medical journal points out that while overweight people often shed about a fifth of their body weight while using the jabs, the weight is regained at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"Individuals buying these medications must be aware of the risk of rapid weight regain when the therapy ends," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain suggests a return to original weight within about one and a half years.
Weighing Treatments
The study, which examined 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the outcomes of these new drugs with other pills.
The team note that individuals who lose weight through dieting usually have a more gradual weight regain—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Quick Regain
Experts suggest the mechanism of the drugs is key to understanding the accelerated rebound.
GLP-1 drugs copy a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone levels several times higher than normal might result in the system to produce less of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also diminish sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Stopping of this medication results in hunger is uncontrolled, making binge eating a significant risk."
An Ongoing Disease?
Medical guidelines advise the jabs for people with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians say that, due to the high risk of weight regain, the therapy is often long-term.
This opinion is echoed by drug manufacturers, who say that the findings "highlight the long-term character of obesity," similar to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
Patient Experiences
Users who have discontinued the jabs report a sudden resurgence of cravings.
"It felt as if a switch flipping and you're instantly extremely hungry," described one woman.
This challenge is compounded if individuals have not established sustainable lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Significant Interest
Recent estimates show that millions of adults in the UK have tried these injections in the past year, with demand being substantial.
- Adoption is higher among females than males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many access the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Finally, clinicians caution that while these medications are potent agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone cure and maintained weight loss likely depends on combined behavioural changes.
