New research reveals that people who come off popular GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on lost weight much more quickly than those who halt traditional lifestyle programs.
Findings released in a prominent health publication points out that while overweight people can lose about a fifth of their total mass while on the medication, the weight returns at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"Users buying such medications must be informed of the danger of rapid weight regain when the treatment ends," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery suggests a reversion to original weight within about 18 months.
Weighing Treatments
The analysis, which reviewed 37 of trials involving thousands of participants, compared the results of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
The team note that people who lose weight through dieting typically experience a more gradual creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
Explaining the Quick Rebound
Nutrition scientists believe the mechanism of the jabs explains the accelerated regain.
GLP-1 drugs copy a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates hunger.
"Long-term administration of the hormone concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and could lessen sensitivity to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to hunger is no longer kept in check, making binge eating a significant risk."
An Ongoing Condition?
The NHS advise the injections for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts argue that, considering the high risk of weight regain, the treatment should be considered ongoing.
This perspective is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the findings "underscore the chronic nature of obesity," similar to managing conditions like hypertension.
Patient Testimonies
Users who have discontinued the medication describe a intense return of hunger.
"I experienced a trigger flipping and I was suddenly ravenous," described a patient.
This difficulty is exacerbated if users have not adopted sustainable lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Significant Use
Recent estimates indicate that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with desire remaining high.
- Adoption is higher among females compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest level of interest.
- Many access the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Finally, researchers emphasize that while the jabs are potent tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent solution and long-term success likely depends on combined lifestyle management.
