Fresh analysis suggests that patients 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 lifestyle regimens.
Research printed in a leading medical journal demonstrates that while overweight people often shed about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the mass returns at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"People purchasing these drugs should be informed of the potential of quick rebound weight gain when the medication is stopped," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain means a return to starting mass in about a year and a half.
Analyzing Treatments
The research, which examined 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the outcomes of the injectable medications with other pills.
Researchers point out that individuals who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone typically experience a less rapid weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Explaining the Quick Rebound
Experts suggest the way of the jabs explains the accelerated weight return.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls hunger.
"Long-term administration of the hormone levels several times higher than the body's typical production could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and may also reduce sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Stopping of this medication means hunger is unsuppressed, making overeating far more likely."
An Ongoing Issue?
Medical guidelines suggest the jabs for people with weight-linked health risks, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts say that, given the likelihood of relapse, the therapy should be considered life-long.
This view is echoed by drug manufacturers, who say that the findings "underscore the persistent character of excess weight," akin to managing conditions like diabetes.
User Accounts
Users who have discontinued the medication report a sudden return of appetite.
"It felt as if a switch flipping and you become ravenous," described a patient.
This challenge is worsened if patients have not adopted permanent dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Growing Use
Survey data indicate that a significant number of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with interest remaining high.
- Adoption is higher among women than men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- Many access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Ultimately, experts stress that while these medications are powerful tools for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone fix and maintained weight loss likely depends on combined behavioural support.
