A recent study suggests that people who come off new GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on lost weight far faster than those who halt conventional diet and exercise plans.
Findings released in a prominent health publication shows that while obese individuals often shed about a fifth of their total mass while using the jabs, the mass comes back at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"People purchasing such medications should be aware of the danger of rapid weight regain when the treatment is stopped," stated researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain implies a reversion to starting weight within about one and a half years.
Analyzing Treatments
The study, which reviewed 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the effects of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
Scientists note that people who lose weight through dieting typically have a less rapid weight regain—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Rapid Rebound
Nutrition scientists propose the way of the injections accounts for the amplified regain.
These medications copy a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Long-term administration of the hormone levels several times higher than normal might result in the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and could lessen responsiveness to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement results in appetite is uncontrolled, making binge eating much more probable."
A Lifelong Condition?
The NHS advise the injections for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts say that, considering the significant potential of weight regain, the treatment is often life-long.
This opinion is echoed by drug manufacturers, who say that the results "emphasize the chronic character of excess weight," akin to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
Patient Accounts
Individuals who have stopped the jabs report a sudden return of cravings.
"I experienced a switch flipping and I was suddenly starving," said a patient.
The struggle is compounded if users have not adopted sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Growing Interest
Recent estimates suggest that millions of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with interest continuing to grow.
- Adoption is greater among women compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest usage rates.
- Many access the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, experts emphasize that while these medications are potent agents for weight loss, they are not a magic cure and lasting health benefits likely depends on combined lifestyle support.
