A recent study reveals that patients who stop using new GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on shed pounds much more quickly than those who halt traditional diet and exercise programs.
Research printed in a prominent health publication shows that while overweight people can lose about a fifth of their total mass while using the jabs, the weight comes back at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"Users buying such drugs must be informed of the danger of fast weight regain when the medication is stopped," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery means a reversion to starting mass within about 18 months.
Weighing Approaches
The analysis, which looked at dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the outcomes of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
The team emphasize that individuals who shed pounds through diet and exercise generally have a slower weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
The Reason for the Quick Regain
Doctors believe the mode of action of the jabs is key to understanding the accelerated regain.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates hunger.
"Artificially providing the hormone concentrations far above than the body's typical production could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and may also diminish responsiveness to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement results in appetite is unsuppressed, making excessive eating far more likely."
A Chronic Condition?
The NHS recommend the injections for people with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians argue that, given the significant potential of weight regain, the therapy might need to be ongoing.
This view is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "highlight the long-term character of obesity," similar to managing diseases like hypertension.
User Accounts
Individuals who have discontinued the jabs report a powerful return of appetite.
"I experienced a trigger flipping and you're instantly extremely hungry," said a patient.
This difficulty is worsened if patients have not established sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Growing Adoption
Figures show that millions of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with desire continuing to grow.
- Use is greater among females than males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Ultimately, clinicians caution that while the jabs are effective tools for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone solution and long-term success hinges on combined behavioural support.
