A recent study indicates that patients who stop using new GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro or Wegovy may regain shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt traditional lifestyle plans.
Published data in a major medical journal points out that while overweight individuals frequently drop a large proportion of their total mass while using the jabs, the mass returns at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Users buying these drugs should be informed of the danger of rapid weight regain when the treatment concludes," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain implies a return to starting weight in about a year and a half.
Weighing Approaches
The research, which examined 37 of trials involving thousands of participants, compared the results of the injectable medications with older methods.
Scientists point out that individuals who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone typically experience a less rapid creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Explaining the Fast Regain
Nutrition scientists believe the way of the drugs explains the accelerated rebound.
The injections copy a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production could lead to the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and could diminish sensitivity to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement means hunger is uncontrolled, making binge eating a significant risk."
An Ongoing Condition?
The NHS advise the jabs for people with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by recommended lifestyle changes.
Professionals argue that, given the likelihood of weight regain, the therapy should be considered ongoing.
This view is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the results "underscore the long-term character of excess weight," comparing it to managing diseases like diabetes.
Patient Experiences
Users who have stopped the medication report a sudden resurgence of appetite.
"It was like something that goes on and you become starving," described an individual.
This challenge is compounded if patients have not adopted lasting dietary or behavioural modifications during treatment.
Widespread Use
Figures indicate that a significant number of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand continuing to grow.
- Use is higher among women compared to men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, experts caution that while these medications are potent tools for weight loss, they are not a standalone fix and maintained weight loss relies on combined behavioural management.
