A recent study suggests that patients who discontinue blockbuster GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover lost weight far faster than those who end traditional lifestyle plans.
Published data in a major health publication points out that while overweight individuals can lose a large proportion of their total mass while on the medication, the mass returns at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Individuals purchasing these drugs need to be cognizant of the potential of rapid weight regain when the therapy ends," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain suggests a return to starting weight in about a year and a half.
Weighing Approaches
The research, which reviewed dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the effects of the injectable medications with older methods.
The team note that individuals who lose weight through dieting usually see a less rapid weight regain—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
The Reason for the Fast Rebound
Nutrition scientists propose the way of the drugs is key to understanding the heightened rebound.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing the hormone concentrations far above than the body's typical production could lead to the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and may also lessen responsiveness to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Stopping of this medication means hunger is uncontrolled, making binge eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Issue?
The NHS suggest the jabs for individuals with weight-linked health risks, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
Many experts contend that, due to the significant potential of weight regain, the treatment should be considered ongoing.
This perspective is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the findings "highlight the long-term character of obesity," comparing it to managing diseases like diabetes.
User Accounts
People who have discontinued the medication explain a powerful return of hunger.
"It felt as if a switch activating and you're instantly ravenous," described a patient.
The struggle is exacerbated if patients have not developed sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Growing Interest
Figures indicate that millions of people in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with interest remaining high.
- Adoption is greater among females compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the medications through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
In conclusion, clinicians caution that while the jabs are effective tools for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent cure and maintained weight loss likely depends on ongoing behavioural changes.
