A recent study reveals that people who stop using new GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro or Wegovy may regain reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt traditional diet and exercise plans.
Published data in a prominent health publication points out that while obese individuals frequently drop a large proportion of their body weight while using the jabs, the mass returns at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"Users purchasing such treatments must be aware of the risk of quick weight regain when the treatment concludes," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain implies a return to original mass within about a year and a half.
Weighing Therapies
The analysis, which examined 37 of studies involving thousands of participants, contrasted the effects of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
Researchers note that individuals who lose weight through dieting typically experience a less rapid creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
The Reason for the Fast Regain
Nutrition scientists suggest the mechanism of the drugs is key to understanding the heightened regain.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone levels several times higher than normal could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and could diminish sensitivity to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to hunger is uncontrolled, making excessive eating a significant risk."
An Ongoing Issue?
The NHS suggest the jabs for people with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals argue that, considering the high risk of weight regain, the treatment might need to be life-long.
This opinion is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the findings "emphasize the persistent character of excess weight," similar to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Accounts
Individuals who have discontinued the medication describe a intense return of cravings.
"I experienced a trigger flipping and I was suddenly starving," said a patient.
This challenge is compounded if patients have not adopted lasting dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Growing Use
Recent estimates show that a significant number of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand continuing to grow.
- Adoption is greater among women compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many obtain the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Finally, clinicians emphasize that while GLP-1 drugs are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a magic cure and lasting health benefits hinges on integrated lifestyle support.
