Fresh analysis suggests that individuals who stop using popular GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro or Wegovy tend to recover reduced body mass much more quickly than those who end traditional diet and exercise regimens.
Research printed in a prominent health publication shows that while overweight people can lose a large proportion of their body weight while using the jabs, the mass returns at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"Users purchasing such drugs need to be cognizant of the risk of quick weight regain when the medication ends," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain suggests a return to pre-treatment mass in about a year and a half.
Analyzing Approaches
The study, which examined 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the outcomes of the injectable medications with other pills.
The team note that people who shed pounds through dieting generally have a slower weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Explaining the Rapid Regain
Nutrition scientists believe the way of the drugs accounts for the heightened rebound.
These medications imitate a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production might result in the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and may also lessen sensitivity to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Discontinuation of this hormone supplement means hunger is uncontrolled, making overeating far more likely."
A Chronic Issue?
Medical guidelines advise the injections for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals say that, due to the high risk of weight regain, the therapy should be considered life-long.
This view is supported by drug manufacturers, who say that the findings "highlight the long-term nature of excess weight," similar to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Experiences
Users who have stopped the jabs describe a intense resurgence of appetite.
"It was like something that goes on and you're instantly extremely hungry," described a patient.
This challenge is exacerbated if users have not developed sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Widespread Interest
Recent estimates indicate that millions of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with interest being substantial.
- Adoption is higher among females compared to males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest usage rates.
- Many access the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, experts emphasize that while these medications are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent solution and long-term success hinges on combined lifestyle support.
