Fresh analysis reveals that patients who stop using popular GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro or Wegovy tend to recover shed pounds far faster than those who end conventional lifestyle regimens.
Findings released in a prominent medical journal points out that while overweight people can lose about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the mass returns at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"Users using these treatments must be cognizant of the risk of rapid rebound weight gain when the treatment ends," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain implies a reversion to starting weight in about one and a half years.
Analyzing Treatments
The research, which looked at 37 of trials involving thousands of patients, compared the outcomes of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
Researchers point out that individuals who shed pounds through diet and exercise usually experience a more gradual weight regain—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Rapid Regain
Experts believe the mode of action of the drugs accounts for the accelerated rebound.
The injections copy a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates appetite.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production may cause the system to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and may also lessen sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' results in appetite is no longer kept in check, making overeating much more probable."
A Lifelong Condition?
Health authorities advise the injections for people with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by recommended lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians say that, due to the significant potential of relapse, the therapy might need to be life-long.
This opinion is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the findings "underscore the persistent nature of obesity," comparing it to managing diseases like hypertension.
User Accounts
People who have come off the jabs report a sudden return of hunger.
"I experienced something flipping and you're instantly starving," said one woman.
This difficulty is compounded if individuals have not established sustainable dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Growing Use
Recent estimates indicate that a significant number of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand continuing to grow.
- Adoption is greater among women than men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, clinicians stress that while the jabs are effective tools for shedding pounds, they are not a magic cure and lasting health benefits likely depends on ongoing behavioural changes.
