New research indicates that individuals who stop using new GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro or Wegovy tend to recover shed pounds much more quickly than those who stop traditional lifestyle programs.
Published data in a major health publication shows that while obese people can lose about a fifth of their total mass while on the medication, the mass is regained at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"People buying these treatments should be cognizant of the potential of rapid weight regain when the therapy ends," stated expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain implies a reversion to starting mass in about a year and a half.
Weighing Approaches
The analysis, which looked at 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the results of the injectable medications with older methods.
Scientists note that individuals who lose weight through dieting usually have a more gradual creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
Explaining the Rapid Rebound
Experts propose the mode of action of the drugs is key to understanding the amplified regain.
GLP-1 drugs copy a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which moderates hunger.
"Long-term administration of the hormone levels several times higher than the body's typical production may cause the system to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and may also reduce responsiveness to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Discontinuation of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to hunger is no longer kept in check, making overeating much more probable."
A Chronic Issue?
Medical guidelines advise the jabs for people with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
Professionals say that, considering the likelihood of weight regain, the therapy might need to be long-term.
This view is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the findings "highlight the persistent character of excess weight," comparing it to managing conditions like hypertension.
Patient Experiences
Users who have stopped the medication describe a intense resurgence of cravings.
"It felt as if a switch flipping and I was suddenly ravenous," said a patient.
This difficulty is worsened if individuals have not established lasting dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Widespread Adoption
Recent estimates show that a significant number of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with demand remaining high.
- Adoption is higher among females than men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest usage rates.
- Many access the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Finally, clinicians emphasize that while these medications are effective tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent cure and maintained weight loss likely depends on ongoing behavioural changes.
