A recent study reveals that individuals who come off popular GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover shed pounds much more quickly than those who end conventional diet and exercise plans.
Findings released in a leading health publication points out that while obese people often shed substantial amounts of their total mass while using the jabs, the weight returns at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"People purchasing these drugs must be aware of the danger of quick weight regain when the treatment ends," stated researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain suggests a reversion to pre-treatment mass in about a year and a half.
Analyzing Therapies
The study, which examined dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the results of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
Scientists point out that people who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone generally experience a less rapid weight regain—around 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
Explaining the Fast Regain
Nutrition scientists suggest the mode of action of the injections is key to understanding the amplified weight return.
These medications mimic a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Artificially providing the hormone concentrations far above than normal might result in the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and may also reduce responsiveness to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Stopping of this medication leads to hunger is unsuppressed, making excessive eating far more likely."
A Lifelong Issue?
The NHS suggest the injections for people with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts say that, considering the likelihood of weight regain, the therapy should be considered life-long.
This view is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the findings "highlight the chronic nature of obesity," akin to managing diseases like diabetes.
Patient Experiences
People who have come off the jabs explain a powerful return of appetite.
"It felt as if a trigger activating and you become extremely hungry," described a patient.
The struggle is worsened if users have not established sustainable dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Widespread Use
Figures show that millions of people in the UK have tried these injections in the past year, with interest continuing to grow.
- Use is greater among females than men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Finally, researchers emphasize that while these medications are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a magic solution and maintained weight loss relies on combined lifestyle changes.
