A recent study suggests that people who discontinue blockbuster GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro or Wegovy may regain reduced body mass far faster than those who halt conventional lifestyle programs.
Research printed in a leading medical journal points out that while obese people often shed about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the weight returns at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"People buying these treatments need to be cognizant of the risk of quick weight regain when the therapy ends," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain suggests a return to starting weight within about 18 months.
Comparing Approaches
The research, which examined dozens of studies involving thousands of participants, compared the effects of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
Scientists emphasize that people who lose weight through diet and exercise generally have a slower creep back—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Quick Rebound
Experts suggest the mode of action of the drugs accounts for the accelerated regain.
These medications imitate a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone concentrations far above than normal may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and could reduce responsiveness to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' results in hunger is uncontrolled, making excessive eating much more probable."
A Lifelong Issue?
The NHS recommend the injections for people with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians say that, considering the significant potential of weight regain, the therapy should be considered ongoing.
This opinion is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the findings "highlight the persistent character of obesity," similar to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
Patient Accounts
Users who have stopped the jabs describe a intense resurgence of appetite.
"I experienced something activating and you're instantly starving," recalled one woman.
This challenge is worsened if patients have not adopted lasting lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Significant Use
Recent estimates show that a significant number of people in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with desire remaining high.
- Adoption is greater among females than men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Ultimately, experts emphasize that while the jabs are powerful agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent fix and maintained weight loss relies on ongoing lifestyle changes.
