New research indicates that individuals who discontinue popular GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who end conventional lifestyle regimens.
Published data in a leading medical journal shows that while overweight people can lose a large proportion of their body weight while on the medication, the weight comes back at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"People buying these treatments need to be informed of the potential of rapid rebound weight gain when the medication is stopped," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain implies a reversion to original mass in about a year and a half.
Analyzing Treatments
The analysis, which reviewed dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the outcomes of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
The team point out that individuals who lose weight through dieting generally experience a less rapid weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Fast Regain
Nutrition scientists propose the way of the jabs accounts for the amplified weight return.
The injections copy a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls appetite.
"Artificially providing the hormone levels several times higher than normal might result in the system to produce less of its own natural hormone, and could lessen sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' means appetite is unsuppressed, making excessive eating a significant risk."
An Ongoing Condition?
The NHS advise the injections for people with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians say that, given the high risk of relapse, the treatment is often life-long.
This perspective is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the results "underscore the chronic nature of obesity," akin to managing conditions like diabetes.
Patient Accounts
Individuals who have stopped the jabs report a intense return of cravings.
"I experienced a trigger flipping and I was suddenly starving," said a patient.
The struggle is compounded if individuals have not adopted lasting dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Significant Use
Figures indicate that a significant number of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with demand remaining high.
- Use is more common among women than men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
In conclusion, researchers stress that while the jabs are potent tools for shedding pounds, they are not a magic cure and long-term success relies on combined lifestyle support.
