A recent study reveals that individuals who discontinue popular GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt conventional lifestyle regimens.
Findings released in a leading health publication shows that while overweight individuals can lose a large proportion of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the weight comes back at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Users using such medications need to be informed of the danger of fast weight regain when the medication ends," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain suggests a return to pre-treatment weight within about a year and a half.
Analyzing Approaches
The study, which examined 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the results of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
The team point out that individuals who shed pounds through diet and exercise generally have a more gradual weight regain—around 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
The Reason for the Quick Rebound
Nutrition scientists believe the mechanism of the jabs explains the amplified weight return.
The injections imitate a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate hunger.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone concentrations several times higher than normal could lead to the system to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and could diminish sensitivity to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Discontinuation of this hormone supplement means appetite is uncontrolled, making excessive eating much more probable."
A Chronic Condition?
Health authorities advise the jabs for people with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals argue that, given the significant potential of relapse, the therapy should be considered ongoing.
This view is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "emphasize the persistent character of obesity," comparing it to managing conditions like hypertension.
Patient Experiences
Individuals who have stopped the jabs describe a powerful return of hunger.
"I experienced a switch activating and you become extremely hungry," described a patient.
This challenge is compounded if users have not established sustainable dietary or behavioural modifications during treatment.
Widespread Use
Recent estimates suggest that millions of adults in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with demand remaining high.
- Use is more common among females than men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, researchers stress that while the jabs are powerful agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent solution and maintained weight loss relies on combined lifestyle changes.
