New research suggests that people who come off blockbuster GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop conventional diet and exercise plans.
Findings released in a leading health publication points out that while obese people frequently drop about a fifth of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the mass returns at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"Individuals buying such medications need to be cognizant of the risk of rapid weight regain when the therapy concludes," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain means a return to original weight in about 18 months.
Weighing Approaches
The study, which reviewed 37 of studies involving thousands of patients, contrasted the results of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
Researchers emphasize that people who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone generally have a less rapid weight regain—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Rapid Regain
Nutrition scientists suggest the mode of action of the jabs accounts for the heightened regain.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing the hormone levels far above than normal could lead to the body to produce less of its endogenous GLP-1, and could reduce responsiveness to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement results in appetite is unsuppressed, making excessive eating far more likely."
A Chronic Disease?
Medical guidelines recommend the injections for people with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals say that, due to the high risk of weight regain, the treatment might need to be life-long.
This opinion is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the results "highlight the long-term character of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
User Accounts
People who have stopped the jabs explain a powerful return of hunger.
"It felt as if a switch activating and I was suddenly starving," said one woman.
This difficulty is worsened if individuals have not adopted permanent lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Growing Adoption
Recent estimates show that millions of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with demand remaining high.
- Use is greater among women compared to men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Finally, clinicians stress that while GLP-1 drugs are potent tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent cure and long-term success relies on integrated lifestyle changes.
