New research suggests that individuals who stop using new GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop traditional diet and exercise programs.
Research printed in a leading medical journal demonstrates that while obese people often shed a large proportion of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the mass is regained at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Users buying such medications should be cognizant of the potential of rapid weight regain when the medication is stopped," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain implies a reversion to starting weight in about 18 months.
Weighing Approaches
The study, which examined dozens of trials involving thousands of patients, contrasted the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with other pills.
Researchers note that people who lose weight through dieting usually have a less rapid weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
Explaining the Quick Rebound
Nutrition scientists propose the mechanism of the drugs is key to understanding the accelerated weight return.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 levels several times higher than the body's typical production may cause the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and could diminish responsiveness to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to appetite is no longer kept in check, making overeating far more likely."
An Ongoing Disease?
Medical guidelines suggest the jabs for people with weight-linked health risks, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts argue that, given the likelihood of relapse, the treatment might need to be life-long.
This perspective is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the findings "highlight the long-term character of excess weight," comparing it to managing diseases like diabetes.
User Accounts
Individuals who have stopped the jabs explain a powerful return of cravings.
"It was like a switch activating and you're instantly extremely hungry," said one woman.
The struggle is compounded if individuals have not adopted lasting lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Significant Adoption
Figures show that a significant number of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with interest remaining high.
- Use is higher among females compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, researchers stress that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent fix and maintained weight loss likely depends on integrated lifestyle support.
