A recent study reveals that people who discontinue new GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on shed pounds far faster than those who halt conventional lifestyle plans.
Research printed in a prominent medical journal points out that while obese people often shed substantial amounts of their body weight while using the jabs, the mass comes back at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"People purchasing these medications must be aware of the risk of quick rebound weight gain when the treatment is stopped," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery implies a return to original weight within about a year and a half.
Analyzing Approaches
The research, which looked at 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the outcomes of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
The team note that individuals who lose weight through diet and exercise usually have a slower creep back—approximately 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.
Explaining the Rapid Regain
Doctors believe the mode of action of the injections accounts for the heightened regain.
These medications copy a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Artificially providing the hormone levels far above than the body's typical production could lead to the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and could diminish sensitivity to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' results in hunger is no longer kept in check, making excessive eating much more probable."
A Chronic Issue?
Health authorities advise the jabs for people with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts contend that, due to the likelihood of weight regain, the therapy should be considered ongoing.
This view is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "highlight the persistent character of obesity," similar to managing diseases like hypertension.
User Accounts
Individuals who have discontinued the medication describe a intense resurgence of appetite.
"I experienced something that goes on and I was suddenly extremely hungry," recalled an individual.
This challenge is compounded if patients have not developed permanent dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Significant Use
Survey data show that a significant number of adults in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with demand continuing to grow.
- Use is more common among females compared to males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- Many obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Finally, researchers caution that while these medications are potent tools for shedding pounds, they are not a magic fix and maintained weight loss hinges on integrated lifestyle changes.
