A recent study reveals that people who discontinue popular GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on reduced body mass much more quickly than those who end conventional lifestyle regimens.
Research printed in a major medical journal demonstrates that while overweight people often shed substantial amounts of their total mass while using the jabs, the weight comes back at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"Users purchasing these drugs should be informed of the risk of quick weight regain when the medication is stopped," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery means a reversion to pre-treatment weight within about one and a half years.
Weighing Therapies
The analysis, which looked at 37 of trials involving thousands of patients, contrasted the results of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
The team point out that individuals who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone generally experience a slower creep back—around 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
The Reason for the Quick Rebound
Doctors propose the way of the drugs is key to understanding the heightened rebound.
The injections copy a natural hormone called GLP-1, which controls appetite.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone levels several times higher than normal may cause the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also lessen responsiveness to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement leads to hunger is no longer kept in check, making excessive eating a significant risk."
An Ongoing Disease?
Medical guidelines advise the jabs for people with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals contend that, given the significant potential of relapse, the treatment should be considered ongoing.
This opinion is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the findings "underscore the chronic character of obesity," akin to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
Patient Testimonies
People who have stopped the jabs describe a intense return of cravings.
"It felt as if a switch that goes on and I was suddenly ravenous," said a patient.
This challenge is worsened if patients have not developed lasting dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Growing Use
Figures suggest that millions of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with demand being substantial.
- Adoption is higher among females compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- Many obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, experts caution that while these medications are effective tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent solution and lasting health benefits likely depends on integrated lifestyle support.
