New research indicates that people who discontinue new GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on reduced body mass much more quickly than those who stop conventional lifestyle plans.
Research printed in a prominent medical journal shows that while overweight individuals frequently drop about a fifth of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the mass returns at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"People purchasing these treatments should be informed of the danger of fast rebound weight gain when the therapy concludes," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain means a reversion to original mass in about one and a half years.
Analyzing Treatments
The research, which examined 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the results of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
The team note that people who lose weight through dieting usually have a more gradual weight regain—approximately 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
Explaining the Rapid Rebound
Nutrition scientists propose the mechanism of the jabs accounts for the heightened regain.
These medications copy a natural hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Artificially providing the hormone concentrations several times higher than normal may cause the body to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and may also reduce sensitivity to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Withdrawal of this medication results in hunger is uncontrolled, making binge eating a significant risk."
A Chronic Issue?
The NHS recommend the injections for people with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts contend that, due to the high risk of relapse, the treatment should be considered life-long.
This opinion is echoed by drug manufacturers, who state that the findings "emphasize the persistent nature of excess weight," akin to managing diseases like hypertension.
User Experiences
Users who have come off the medication describe a intense resurgence of hunger.
"I experienced a trigger flipping and you're instantly extremely hungry," said a patient.
The struggle is exacerbated if users have not established lasting dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Growing Use
Survey data suggest that a significant number of adults in the UK have tried these injections in the past year, with interest continuing to grow.
- Adoption is greater among women compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- Many obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, clinicians caution that while the jabs are potent tools for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent fix and maintained weight loss likely depends on ongoing lifestyle management.
