A recent study indicates that people who stop using blockbuster GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on lost weight far faster than those who stop traditional diet and exercise regimens.
Published data in a prominent health publication points out that while overweight people frequently drop a large proportion of their total mass while using the jabs, the mass returns at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"People purchasing these medications need to be cognizant of the risk of rapid rebound weight gain when the medication is stopped," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain suggests a reversion to pre-treatment mass within about a year and a half.
Weighing Treatments
The research, which reviewed dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the effects of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
Researchers point out that individuals who lose weight through dieting usually see a slower weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Quick Regain
Doctors believe the mode of action of the jabs explains the heightened weight return.
The injections mimic a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls hunger.
"Artificially providing the hormone levels far above than normal may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and could diminish sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Discontinuation of this hormone supplement results in appetite is uncontrolled, making binge eating much more probable."
A Chronic Condition?
The NHS recommend the injections for people with weight-linked health risks, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians contend that, given the high risk of weight regain, the treatment should be considered long-term.
This view is echoed by drug manufacturers, who say that the findings "highlight the long-term nature of excess weight," comparing it to managing diseases like diabetes.
User Experiences
Users who have come off the medication explain a intense return of cravings.
"It felt as if a trigger activating and I was suddenly ravenous," recalled a patient.
This difficulty is worsened if individuals have not developed sustainable dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Significant Interest
Survey data suggest that a significant number of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with desire being substantial.
- Use is higher among women compared to males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest level of interest.
- Many obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Finally, experts emphasize that while these medications are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a magic fix and long-term success relies on ongoing lifestyle changes.
