New research reveals that patients who come off popular GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro may regain lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop conventional diet and exercise regimens.
Findings released in a major health publication demonstrates that while obese people often shed about a fifth of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the weight returns at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"Individuals purchasing such medications should be informed of the risk of rapid rebound weight gain when the treatment ends," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain suggests a return to pre-treatment mass within about 18 months.
Weighing Therapies
The research, which looked at 37 of trials involving thousands of patients, contrasted the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
The team note that people who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone typically see a more gradual creep back—perhaps 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
Explaining the Rapid Rebound
Experts propose the mode of action of the jabs accounts for the heightened rebound.
These medications imitate a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 concentrations far above than normal might result in the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and could reduce responsiveness to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Discontinuation of this hormone supplement results in hunger is unsuppressed, making excessive eating far more likely."
An Ongoing Issue?
Medical guidelines advise the injections for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts contend that, given the high risk of relapse, the treatment should be considered ongoing.
This view is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who state that the results "highlight the chronic nature of obesity," comparing it to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
Patient Experiences
Users who have stopped the medication explain a powerful resurgence of hunger.
"I experienced a trigger activating and you're instantly starving," said a patient.
This challenge is compounded if individuals have not adopted sustainable lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Growing Use
Figures suggest that millions of adults in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with interest continuing to grow.
- Use is greater among females than males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
In conclusion, researchers emphasize that while the jabs are powerful tools for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent fix and lasting health benefits likely depends on combined lifestyle support.
