Fresh analysis reveals that individuals who stop using new GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who end conventional diet and exercise regimens.
Published data in a prominent medical journal points out that while obese individuals can lose about a fifth of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the mass is regained at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"People using such drugs need to be informed of the danger of fast rebound weight gain when the treatment is stopped," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain means a reversion to original mass within about a year and a half.
Weighing Therapies
The study, which examined dozens of trials involving thousands of participants, compared the results of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
The team point out that people who lose weight through diet and exercise typically have a less rapid creep back—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
The Reason for the Quick Regain
Experts believe the mode of action of the jabs explains the heightened rebound.
These medications imitate a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate hunger.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 concentrations far above than normal may cause the body to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and may also diminish sensitivity to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' results in appetite is no longer kept in check, making binge eating much more probable."
A Chronic Condition?
Medical guidelines advise the injections for people with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts say that, given the high risk of weight regain, the therapy is often long-term.
This opinion is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the findings "highlight the persistent character of obesity," similar to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Accounts
Individuals who have discontinued the medication explain a sudden return of appetite.
"It felt as if something flipping and you're instantly extremely hungry," described an individual.
The struggle is exacerbated if patients have not developed sustainable lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Growing Use
Survey data suggest that a significant number of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with desire being substantial.
- Adoption is greater among females compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, experts emphasize that while GLP-1 drugs are effective agents for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone fix and maintained weight loss relies on ongoing behavioural management.
