A recent study suggests that individuals who stop using popular GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on shed pounds much more quickly than those who halt traditional lifestyle regimens.
Research printed in a prominent health publication points out that while obese people can lose about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the weight returns at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Users using such drugs should be aware of the potential of rapid weight regain when the treatment is stopped," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain means a reversion to starting weight within about one and a half years.
Analyzing Treatments
The analysis, which examined dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the effects of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
The team point out that people who shed pounds through diet and exercise typically have a more gradual creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Fast Regain
Nutrition scientists propose the way of the injections accounts for the accelerated regain.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates appetite.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 levels several times higher than normal may cause the system to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and may also reduce sensitivity to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to appetite is no longer kept in check, making overeating a significant risk."
An Ongoing Disease?
Medical guidelines suggest the jabs for people with obesity-related health risks, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts argue that, due to the high risk of relapse, the therapy is often life-long.
This opinion is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who note that the results "emphasize the persistent character of excess weight," comparing it to managing conditions like diabetes.
User Accounts
People who have come off the jabs explain a intense resurgence of hunger.
"It was like a trigger flipping and I was suddenly ravenous," described a patient.
The struggle is compounded if users have not established sustainable lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Growing Use
Recent estimates show that a significant number of people in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with desire remaining high.
- Adoption is higher among women than males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- Many obtain the drugs through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Finally, researchers emphasize that while the jabs are potent tools for weight loss, they are not a magic cure and long-term success relies on ongoing behavioural management.