A recent study reveals that patients who come off new GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro or Wegovy tend to recover shed pounds much more quickly than those who halt traditional diet and exercise plans.
Findings released in a major health publication shows that while overweight people can lose about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the weight is regained at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"People purchasing these drugs must be cognizant of the potential of rapid rebound weight gain when the medication concludes," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain means a reversion to starting weight in about 18 months.
Comparing Therapies
The research, which looked at dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the results of GLP-1 agonists with other pills.
The team emphasize that people who lose weight through dieting typically have a less rapid weight regain—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Rapid Regain
Doctors believe the mechanism of the jabs is key to understanding the amplified regain.
These medications copy a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of the hormone levels several times higher than the body's typical production may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also lessen sensitivity to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to hunger is no longer kept in check, making excessive eating much more probable."
A Chronic Disease?
Health authorities recommend the jabs for people with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts say that, given the high risk of weight regain, the therapy should be considered long-term.
This opinion is echoed by drug manufacturers, who note that the results "highlight the chronic nature of excess weight," comparing it to managing conditions like hypertension.
User Accounts
Individuals who have stopped the medication explain a powerful return of appetite.
"It felt as if a trigger activating and you become extremely hungry," recalled an individual.
This difficulty is compounded if users have not developed lasting dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Widespread Use
Survey data show that a significant number of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand being substantial.
- Adoption is more common among females compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Finally, experts stress that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful tools for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent fix and maintained weight loss hinges on ongoing behavioural support.
