Fresh analysis suggests that individuals who stop using blockbuster GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on shed pounds much more quickly than those who end conventional lifestyle regimens.
Published data in a prominent health publication shows that while overweight individuals often shed about a fifth of their total mass while using the jabs, the mass is regained at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Individuals using such drugs must be aware of the danger of quick rebound weight gain when the therapy is stopped," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery suggests a reversion to starting mass in about one and a half years.
Weighing Therapies
The analysis, which looked at 37 of studies involving thousands of participants, contrasted the results of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
Scientists point out that people who lose weight through dieting generally experience a more gradual creep back—around 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.
Understanding the Fast Regain
Doctors suggest the way of the injections explains the accelerated rebound.
The injections copy a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of the hormone concentrations far above than the body's typical production could lead to the system to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and may also reduce responsiveness to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Withdrawal of this medication means hunger is no longer kept in check, making excessive eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Disease?
Health authorities suggest the jabs for people with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals argue that, considering the high risk of relapse, the therapy should be considered ongoing.
This opinion is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the findings "emphasize the chronic nature of excess weight," akin to managing diseases like diabetes.
User Experiences
People who have discontinued the medication report a intense return of appetite.
"I experienced a trigger that goes on and you become starving," described a patient.
This challenge is exacerbated if users have not developed sustainable dietary or behavioural modifications during treatment.
Significant Adoption
Survey data suggest that millions of adults in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with interest remaining high.
- Adoption is greater among females compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Ultimately, clinicians stress that while the jabs are effective tools for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent fix and maintained weight loss likely depends on ongoing behavioural support.
