A recent study suggests that people who discontinue new GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who end conventional lifestyle programs.
Findings released in a leading medical journal points out that while obese people can lose about a fifth of their body weight while using the jabs, the mass is regained at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"People buying such medications need to be cognizant of the danger of quick rebound weight gain when the medication concludes," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain implies a return to original mass within about 18 months.
Weighing Treatments
The study, which reviewed dozens of trials involving thousands of patients, compared the outcomes of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
Researchers emphasize that people who lose weight through dieting generally have a less rapid weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Fast Rebound
Doctors propose the way of the injections accounts for the heightened weight return.
GLP-1 drugs copy a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls hunger.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and could diminish responsiveness to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Discontinuation of this medication means appetite is unsuppressed, making binge eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Issue?
Health authorities advise the jabs for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals say that, given the likelihood of relapse, the therapy should be considered life-long.
This perspective is supported by drug manufacturers, who state that the findings "emphasize the chronic character of excess weight," akin to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Experiences
Individuals who have stopped the jabs describe a sudden return of appetite.
"I experienced something that goes on and you're instantly extremely hungry," recalled a patient.
This challenge is worsened if individuals have not adopted permanent lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Significant Interest
Figures show that millions of people in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with desire continuing to grow.
- Adoption is greater among females compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest level of interest.
- Many access the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, researchers stress that while these medications are potent agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone fix and long-term success hinges on ongoing behavioural management.
