Fresh analysis suggests that individuals who come off popular GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on shed pounds far faster than those who halt conventional diet and exercise plans.
Published data in a prominent health publication demonstrates that while overweight individuals frequently drop 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 after stopping.
"People using such treatments should be cognizant of the potential of fast rebound weight gain when the therapy ends," stated researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery suggests a return to pre-treatment mass within about a year and a half.
Weighing Approaches
The study, which examined dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the outcomes of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
The team point out that people who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone usually see a slower weight regain—perhaps 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
The Reason for the Fast Regain
Nutrition scientists believe the way of the jabs is key to understanding the heightened rebound.
The injections copy a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls hunger.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 levels several times higher than normal may cause the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and could lessen sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Discontinuation of this medication means hunger is no longer kept in check, making excessive eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Issue?
The NHS recommend the jabs for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
Many experts say that, given the likelihood of relapse, the therapy should be considered life-long.
This opinion is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "underscore the long-term nature of obesity," similar to managing conditions like hypertension.
Patient Accounts
People who have stopped the medication describe a powerful return of hunger.
"I experienced a trigger flipping and I was suddenly starving," recalled an individual.
This difficulty is compounded if users have not established lasting dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Widespread Use
Recent estimates indicate that millions of adults in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with desire remaining high.
- Adoption is higher among women compared to men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the medications through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Ultimately, experts caution that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful tools for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent solution and lasting health benefits relies on ongoing behavioural changes.
