A recent study suggests that individuals who come off new GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who end traditional lifestyle programs.
Findings released in a major medical journal points out that while overweight people frequently drop a large proportion of their body weight while using the jabs, the weight comes back at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"People using such treatments should be aware of the potential of fast rebound weight gain when the treatment concludes," stated expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery suggests a return to pre-treatment mass within about 18 months.
Weighing Therapies
The study, which reviewed dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the results of the injectable medications with older methods.
Researchers point out that people who shed pounds through diet and exercise generally experience a less rapid weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
Understanding the Rapid Rebound
Doctors propose the mechanism of the jabs is key to understanding the heightened weight return.
The injections mimic a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone levels far above than normal could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and could diminish sensitivity to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Discontinuation of this medication leads to appetite is uncontrolled, making overeating much more probable."
A Lifelong Disease?
The NHS suggest the injections for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
Professionals contend that, considering the significant potential of relapse, the treatment is often life-long.
This view is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "underscore the chronic character of obesity," similar to managing diseases like hypertension.
User Experiences
Users who have stopped the medication describe a intense return of hunger.
"It was like a trigger flipping and you become ravenous," described a patient.
The struggle is exacerbated if patients have not developed permanent lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Growing Use
Survey data suggest that a significant number of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with desire continuing to grow.
- Use is greater among females compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, clinicians caution that while GLP-1 drugs are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone cure and maintained weight loss likely depends on integrated behavioural support.
