A recent study reveals that patients who come off new GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro or Wegovy may regain shed pounds far faster than those who end conventional lifestyle programs.
Findings released in a leading medical journal shows that while overweight people frequently drop substantial amounts of their body weight while using the jabs, the weight comes back at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Individuals buying such drugs must be aware of the danger of fast rebound weight gain when the treatment concludes," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain means a return to pre-treatment weight in about one and a half years.
Weighing Treatments
The study, which examined 37 of trials involving thousands of participants, contrasted the results of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
Scientists note that individuals who lose weight through dieting usually have a more gradual weight regain—around 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
The Reason for the Rapid Rebound
Doctors suggest the mechanism of the jabs is key to understanding the heightened weight return.
These medications mimic a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates hunger.
"Long-term administration of the hormone concentrations far above than normal may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also lessen sensitivity to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to appetite is uncontrolled, making overeating far more likely."
A Chronic Disease?
Health authorities suggest the jabs for people with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians contend that, considering the likelihood of weight regain, the treatment might need to be long-term.
This opinion is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "underscore the long-term nature of excess weight," akin to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
User Experiences
Individuals who have discontinued the jabs describe a intense return of hunger.
"It felt as if something flipping and you become ravenous," said one woman.
This challenge is worsened if individuals have not established sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Significant Interest
Survey data indicate that millions of people in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with desire remaining high.
- Adoption is greater among women compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- Many access the medications through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Finally, researchers caution that while these medications are powerful tools for shedding pounds, they are not a magic solution and maintained weight loss relies on combined lifestyle changes.
