New research indicates that people who stop using popular GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro or Wegovy tend to recover shed pounds far faster than those who end traditional lifestyle programs.
Published data in a major health publication points out that while overweight individuals can lose substantial amounts of their body weight while using the jabs, the mass is regained at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"People buying these drugs should be cognizant of the potential of quick weight regain when the treatment ends," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain means a reversion to original mass within about a year and a half.
Weighing Treatments
The research, which examined 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the effects of GLP-1 agonists with other pills.
Scientists note that individuals who shed pounds through diet and exercise typically see a less rapid weight regain—perhaps 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
Explaining the Rapid Regain
Experts propose the way of the jabs explains the accelerated regain.
GLP-1 drugs copy a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate hunger.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone levels several times higher than the body's typical production might result in the body to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and could reduce responsiveness to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' results in hunger is unsuppressed, making overeating much more probable."
A Lifelong Issue?
Medical guidelines suggest the injections for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians say that, given the likelihood of relapse, the therapy might need to be life-long.
This opinion is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who state that the results "underscore the persistent nature of excess weight," akin to managing diseases like diabetes.
Patient Experiences
Individuals who have discontinued the medication report a sudden return of hunger.
"It felt as if something flipping and you're instantly extremely hungry," recalled an individual.
This challenge is compounded if individuals have not developed permanent lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Significant Use
Figures indicate that a significant number of people in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with interest being substantial.
- Adoption is greater among females compared to men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
In conclusion, clinicians stress that while the jabs are potent agents for weight loss, they are not a magic solution and long-term success likely depends on ongoing lifestyle support.
