A recent study indicates that people who discontinue popular GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro or Wegovy tend to recover reduced body mass far faster than those who halt traditional lifestyle plans.
Published data in a major medical journal shows that while overweight people frequently drop a large proportion of their total mass while using the jabs, the weight returns at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Individuals purchasing these drugs should be informed of the potential of quick weight regain when the therapy is stopped," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain suggests a reversion to pre-treatment weight within about a year and a half.
Comparing Approaches
The research, which reviewed dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the effects of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
Scientists point out that people who shed pounds through dieting typically have a more gradual weight regain—around 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Quick Regain
Nutrition scientists believe the way of the injections explains the heightened regain.
These medications imitate a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates hunger.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone concentrations several times higher than normal may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and may also lessen sensitivity to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement results in appetite is unsuppressed, making overeating much more probable."
An Ongoing Issue?
The NHS advise the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
Many experts contend that, given the likelihood of relapse, the therapy should be considered life-long.
This view is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who state that the results "highlight the persistent nature of obesity," akin to managing diseases like hypertension.
Patient Experiences
Users who have stopped the jabs describe a intense resurgence of hunger.
"It felt as if something flipping and I was suddenly ravenous," said an individual.
This difficulty is worsened if individuals have not established sustainable lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Growing Interest
Figures suggest that a significant number of people in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with desire continuing to grow.
- Adoption is greater among females compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Finally, clinicians caution that while GLP-1 drugs are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone cure and lasting health benefits hinges on ongoing behavioural changes.
