New research reveals that individuals who stop using new GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who end conventional diet and exercise regimens.
Published data in a prominent health publication demonstrates that while overweight individuals can lose a large proportion of their body weight while on the medication, the mass returns at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"Individuals using these treatments must be cognizant of the risk of quick weight regain when the medication ends," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain implies a reversion to pre-treatment weight in about 18 months.
Comparing Therapies
The study, which looked at 37 of studies involving thousands of participants, contrasted the effects of the injectable medications with older methods.
The team note that individuals who shed pounds through dieting typically experience a less rapid weight regain—approximately 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.
Explaining the Fast Regain
Nutrition scientists propose the way of the jabs is key to understanding the heightened regain.
GLP-1 drugs copy a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls hunger.
"Artificially providing the hormone concentrations several times higher than normal could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and may also reduce sensitivity to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Withdrawal of this medication means hunger is no longer kept in check, making overeating far more likely."
A Lifelong Disease?
Health authorities advise the jabs for people with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts say that, given the likelihood of weight regain, the treatment might need to be life-long.
This view is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the findings "emphasize the chronic nature of excess weight," akin to managing diseases like diabetes.
User Experiences
Users who have stopped the jabs explain a sudden return of cravings.
"It was like a trigger that goes on and I was suddenly starving," recalled one woman.
This difficulty is exacerbated if users have not developed lasting lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Significant Interest
Recent estimates indicate that a significant number of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with demand remaining high.
- Use is higher among females compared to men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, researchers stress that while the jabs are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone cure and lasting health benefits likely depends on ongoing lifestyle management.
