A recent study indicates that people who come off new GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover shed pounds much more quickly than those who stop conventional diet and exercise regimens.
Research printed in a leading health publication shows that while obese people often shed substantial amounts of their body weight while using the jabs, the mass comes back at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Users using such medications must be aware of the risk of rapid rebound weight gain when the therapy ends," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery implies a reversion to pre-treatment mass in about a year and a half.
Analyzing Approaches
The study, which reviewed dozens of studies involving thousands of patients, contrasted the outcomes of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
Researchers emphasize that people who shed pounds through dieting generally have a less rapid weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
Understanding the Fast Rebound
Doctors suggest the mode of action of the jabs is key to understanding the heightened weight return.
The injections imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate hunger.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 levels several times higher than normal could lead to the body to produce less of its endogenous GLP-1, and could diminish sensitivity to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Discontinuation of this hormone supplement leads to hunger is no longer kept in check, making excessive eating much more probable."
A Chronic Disease?
Medical guidelines suggest the injections for individuals with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts say that, given the high risk of weight regain, the treatment might need to be ongoing.
This view is echoed by drug manufacturers, who note that the results "emphasize the persistent character of excess weight," akin to managing diseases like diabetes.
Patient Experiences
Individuals who have come off the jabs explain a powerful resurgence of appetite.
"It felt as if something activating and you're instantly ravenous," described a patient.
This difficulty is compounded if patients have not adopted sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Significant Adoption
Recent estimates suggest that millions of people in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with demand being substantial.
- Adoption is higher among women than men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest level of interest.
- Many access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Finally, researchers emphasize that while the jabs are potent agents for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent cure and lasting health benefits hinges on ongoing lifestyle management.
