New research suggests that individuals who discontinue popular GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover shed pounds far faster than those who end traditional lifestyle regimens.
Research printed in a leading medical journal points out that while overweight individuals frequently drop a large proportion of their total mass while on the medication, the mass comes back at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"People buying such treatments must be aware of the potential of quick rebound weight gain when the treatment concludes," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery implies a reversion to original mass in about one and a half years.
Analyzing Therapies
The study, which looked at 37 of studies involving thousands of patients, compared the results of the injectable medications with other pills.
Researchers point out that people who shed pounds through diet and exercise typically experience a less rapid creep back—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Fast Rebound
Doctors suggest the way of the drugs explains the heightened rebound.
These medications imitate a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates appetite.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production might result in the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and may also diminish sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Discontinuation of this medication means appetite is unsuppressed, making binge eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Disease?
The NHS advise the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians say that, given the high risk of relapse, the therapy is often long-term.
This opinion is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the results "emphasize the long-term nature of excess weight," similar to managing diseases like hypertension.
Patient Testimonies
Individuals who have discontinued the medication explain a intense resurgence of hunger.
"It felt as if a switch flipping and you become ravenous," said one woman.
This difficulty is compounded if patients have not adopted lasting dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Significant Use
Figures show that millions of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with desire remaining high.
- Adoption is more common among females than males.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
In conclusion, experts caution that while the jabs are powerful tools for weight loss, they are not a magic fix and maintained weight loss hinges on combined lifestyle management.
