New research reveals that individuals who stop using new GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop traditional lifestyle plans.
Published data in a leading medical journal shows that while obese people frequently drop substantial amounts of their total mass while on the medication, the weight comes back at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"People purchasing these treatments need to be aware of the danger of fast weight regain when the therapy is stopped," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery suggests a reversion to pre-treatment weight in about 18 months.
Analyzing Approaches
The analysis, which reviewed 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the results of the injectable medications with other pills.
Scientists emphasize that individuals who shed pounds through dieting generally have a slower creep back—perhaps 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Fast Regain
Experts suggest the mechanism of the drugs explains the amplified rebound.
The injections mimic a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls hunger.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone levels far above than the body's typical production could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and may also diminish sensitivity to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Withdrawal of this medication results in appetite is uncontrolled, making overeating a significant risk."
An Ongoing Disease?
The NHS recommend the injections for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts say that, due to the likelihood of relapse, the therapy might need to be ongoing.
This perspective is echoed by drug manufacturers, who note that the results "underscore the long-term character of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
User Accounts
Users who have come off the medication report a sudden return of appetite.
"I experienced a switch activating and you're instantly starving," recalled one woman.
The struggle is worsened if users have not established permanent lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Growing Use
Survey data indicate that a significant number of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand remaining high.
- Adoption is higher among females than men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many access the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, experts stress that while the jabs are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a magic fix and maintained weight loss relies on combined behavioural changes.
