Fresh analysis suggests that people who stop using new GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on reduced body mass much more quickly than those who halt traditional diet and exercise programs.
Research printed in a prominent health publication demonstrates that while overweight people can lose about a fifth of their body weight while using the jabs, the weight comes back at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"People purchasing such treatments must be aware of the potential of fast weight regain when the therapy ends," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain means a reversion to original weight within about a year and a half.
Weighing Therapies
The analysis, which looked at 37 of trials involving thousands of participants, compared the outcomes of these new drugs with older methods.
The team note that people who shed pounds through dieting usually experience a more gradual creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Rapid Rebound
Doctors suggest the way of the drugs accounts for the heightened regain.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which moderates appetite.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 concentrations far above than the body's typical production may cause the system to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and may also diminish responsiveness to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' means appetite is uncontrolled, making binge eating much more probable."
A Chronic Issue?
Medical guidelines recommend the injections for people with obesity-related health risks, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians argue that, due to the significant potential of weight regain, the treatment should be considered ongoing.
This view is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the results "highlight the long-term nature of obesity," akin to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
Patient Testimonies
People who have come off the jabs explain a powerful resurgence of appetite.
"It was like a trigger activating and I was suddenly extremely hungry," recalled one woman.
The struggle is exacerbated if individuals have not established lasting dietary or behavioural modifications during treatment.
Significant Adoption
Recent estimates show that a significant number of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand remaining high.
- Adoption is higher among females compared to men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Finally, clinicians stress that while these medications are effective tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent cure and long-term success likely depends on combined lifestyle support.
