Fresh analysis reveals that individuals who discontinue blockbuster GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro or Wegovy tend to recover lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt conventional diet and exercise programs.
Findings released in a major health publication demonstrates that while obese people frequently drop about a fifth of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the weight is regained at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"People using these drugs need to be aware of the potential of fast rebound weight gain when the therapy is stopped," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain means a reversion to original mass within about one and a half years.
Comparing Therapies
The research, which examined 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the outcomes of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
Scientists point out that people who lose weight through dieting typically experience a slower weight regain—around 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
The Reason for the Quick Rebound
Nutrition scientists believe the way of the injections explains the heightened regain.
These medications imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls hunger.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production may cause the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also diminish sensitivity to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Discontinuation of this medication means hunger is uncontrolled, making binge eating far more likely."
An Ongoing Condition?
The NHS recommend the injections for people with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals argue that, given the likelihood of relapse, the treatment might need to be long-term.
This opinion is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the findings "emphasize the persistent nature of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like hypertension.
Patient Experiences
Users who have come off the medication describe a sudden return of hunger.
"I experienced a trigger that goes on and you become extremely hungry," said an individual.
This difficulty is exacerbated if patients have not developed sustainable lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Growing Interest
Recent estimates show that a significant number of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with interest continuing to grow.
- Adoption is more common among women compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Finally, researchers stress that while these medications are powerful tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent solution and maintained weight loss relies on ongoing behavioural management.
