A recent study reveals that individuals who stop using blockbuster GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop traditional lifestyle regimens.
Published data in a leading medical journal points out that while overweight individuals often shed substantial amounts of their body weight while using the jabs, the weight returns at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"Individuals using these drugs need to be cognizant of the potential of fast rebound weight gain when the therapy concludes," stated expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery implies a reversion to starting weight in about a year and a half.
Comparing Therapies
The research, which reviewed 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the results of these new drugs with older methods.
The team note that people who shed pounds through dieting typically have a more gradual creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Explaining the Quick Rebound
Doctors believe the way of the injections explains the amplified weight return.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate hunger.
"Artificially providing the hormone levels far above than normal might result in the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and could diminish responsiveness to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Discontinuation of this medication means hunger is no longer kept in check, making excessive eating much more probable."
A Lifelong Condition?
Medical guidelines suggest the jabs for people with obesity-related health risks, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
Many experts contend that, given the high risk of relapse, the therapy is often ongoing.
This opinion is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who say that the results "underscore the chronic nature of excess weight," comparing it to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
Patient Testimonies
People who have come off the jabs report a intense resurgence of appetite.
"It was like something that goes on and I was suddenly starving," described a patient.
This challenge is compounded if patients have not established sustainable lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Growing Interest
Recent estimates indicate that a significant number of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with desire remaining high.
- Use is more common among women compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, researchers stress that while the jabs are powerful agents for shedding pounds, they are not a magic fix and long-term success hinges on combined behavioural changes.
