New research suggests that people who stop using new GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop traditional diet and exercise programs.
Findings released in a leading health publication demonstrates that while obese people can lose substantial amounts 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 these treatments need to be cognizant of the risk of rapid rebound weight gain when the medication is stopped," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery suggests a return to starting weight in about 18 months.
Comparing Treatments
The research, which examined 37 of studies involving thousands of participants, compared the effects of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
The team point out that people who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone typically experience a slower weight regain—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Fast Rebound
Nutrition scientists propose the way of the jabs accounts for the accelerated rebound.
The injections mimic a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls hunger.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 levels several times higher than normal could lead to the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and may also diminish sensitivity to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement results in hunger is unsuppressed, making excessive eating far more likely."
An Ongoing Disease?
The NHS recommend the jabs for individuals with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by recommended lifestyle changes.
Many experts say that, considering the likelihood of relapse, the therapy should be considered life-long.
This opinion is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the results "underscore the chronic nature of obesity," comparing it to managing diseases like diabetes.
User Testimonies
Users who have come off the jabs describe a intense return of appetite.
"I experienced a switch flipping and you're instantly ravenous," described a patient.
This difficulty is compounded if users have not developed permanent dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Growing Use
Recent estimates suggest that a significant number of people in the UK have tried these injections in the past year, with demand remaining high.
- Use is higher among women compared to men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
In conclusion, clinicians caution that while the jabs are potent tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent cure and lasting health benefits relies on integrated lifestyle changes.
