A recent study reveals that patients who discontinue new GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain lost weight much more quickly than those who stop traditional lifestyle plans.
Research printed in a major medical journal demonstrates that while obese individuals frequently drop about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the weight returns at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"Individuals using such drugs should be informed of the risk of quick rebound weight gain when the treatment concludes," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery suggests a reversion to original weight in about 18 months.
Weighing Therapies
The research, which looked at 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the results of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
Scientists point out that people who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone generally have a more gradual creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
The Reason for the Fast Regain
Doctors suggest the way of the drugs explains the accelerated regain.
The injections mimic a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls hunger.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 concentrations far above than the body's typical production may cause the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and may also diminish sensitivity to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' means hunger is uncontrolled, making overeating much more probable."
A Chronic Condition?
The NHS recommend the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians say that, considering the high risk of relapse, the treatment might need to be life-long.
This view is supported by drug manufacturers, who note that the findings "emphasize the chronic character of obesity," similar to managing conditions like hypertension.
User Experiences
People who have stopped the medication explain a intense return of hunger.
"It felt as if a trigger activating and you become starving," described an individual.
This challenge is compounded if patients have not developed sustainable dietary or behavioural modifications during treatment.
Widespread Interest
Survey data suggest that millions of adults in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with desire continuing to grow.
- Use is more common among women compared to males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many access the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, clinicians caution that while these medications are effective agents for shedding pounds, they are not a magic cure and maintained weight loss likely depends on combined behavioural changes.
