Fresh analysis suggests that people who discontinue popular GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on shed pounds much more quickly than those who end conventional lifestyle programs.
Published data in a prominent health publication demonstrates that while overweight people can lose about a fifth of their total mass while on the medication, the mass comes back at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"People purchasing such drugs must be informed of the risk of fast weight regain when the therapy is stopped," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain means a reversion to pre-treatment weight within about a year and a half.
Comparing Treatments
The research, which examined 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
The team emphasize that individuals who shed pounds through dieting usually see a slower weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Explaining the Quick Rebound
Doctors believe the way of the drugs accounts for the amplified regain.
These medications copy a natural hormone called GLP-1, which moderates appetite.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than normal may cause the body to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and may also diminish responsiveness to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement results in appetite is no longer kept in check, making binge eating a significant risk."
An Ongoing Issue?
Medical guidelines recommend the injections for people with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by recommended lifestyle changes.
Many experts say that, given the significant potential of weight regain, the therapy might need to be ongoing.
This perspective is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "emphasize the chronic character of obesity," akin to managing conditions like diabetes.
User Experiences
People who have come off the jabs explain a intense resurgence of cravings.
"It was like something flipping and I was suddenly ravenous," recalled an individual.
The struggle is exacerbated if users have not adopted sustainable lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Growing Use
Survey data show that a significant number of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with demand being substantial.
- Use is more common among females than men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- Many access the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, clinicians caution that while the jabs are potent agents for shedding pounds, they are not a magic solution and long-term success hinges on combined behavioural support.
