Fresh analysis indicates that people who stop using new GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover reduced body mass far faster than those who end conventional lifestyle regimens.
Research printed in a leading health publication demonstrates that while overweight people can lose a large proportion of their total mass while using the jabs, the weight is regained at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Individuals buying such drugs need to be informed of the potential of quick rebound weight gain when the therapy ends," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery implies a reversion to original weight in about one and a half years.
Comparing Therapies
The analysis, which looked at 37 of trials involving thousands of patients, compared the outcomes of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
Scientists note that people who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone generally experience a more gradual weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Rapid Rebound
Doctors believe the mode of action of the injections explains the amplified regain.
The injections copy a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of the hormone levels several times higher than normal may cause the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and could diminish responsiveness to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' means appetite is no longer kept in check, making overeating much more probable."
A Chronic Issue?
The NHS suggest the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts argue that, due to the high risk of relapse, the therapy might need to be ongoing.
This perspective is supported by drug manufacturers, who state that the results "highlight the long-term character of obesity," similar to managing diseases like hypertension.
User Accounts
Users who have stopped the jabs explain a powerful return of cravings.
"It was like a trigger activating and I was suddenly starving," described one woman.
This challenge is exacerbated if individuals have not developed permanent lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Significant Use
Figures suggest that millions of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with desire continuing to grow.
- Use is more common among women than males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest level of interest.
- Many access the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, clinicians caution that while these medications are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone cure and maintained weight loss likely depends on combined lifestyle support.
