Fresh analysis suggests that people who discontinue blockbuster GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover shed pounds much more quickly than those who halt conventional diet and exercise plans.
Findings released in a leading medical journal demonstrates that while overweight individuals can lose about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the weight is regained at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"People using such medications should be informed of the risk of rapid rebound weight gain when the treatment concludes," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain implies a return to pre-treatment weight within about a year and a half.
Comparing Approaches
The analysis, which looked at 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
Researchers point out that individuals who lose weight through dieting generally experience a slower creep back—around 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
Understanding the Quick Regain
Experts suggest the mechanism of the injections accounts for the heightened regain.
The injections mimic a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which moderates feelings of fullness.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone levels several times higher than normal might result in the body to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and could lessen responsiveness to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' means hunger is unsuppressed, making overeating far more likely."
An Ongoing Disease?
The NHS suggest the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals say that, due to the likelihood of weight regain, the therapy should be considered long-term.
This view is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the results "underscore the long-term nature of obesity," akin to managing conditions like hypertension.
User Accounts
Users who have discontinued the jabs explain a intense return of appetite.
"It felt as if something activating and you become extremely hungry," described an individual.
The struggle is compounded if patients have not developed permanent lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Significant Adoption
Figures indicate that millions of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with interest continuing to grow.
- Adoption is higher among females compared to men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
In conclusion, researchers caution that while the jabs are powerful tools for weight loss, they are not a standalone solution and maintained weight loss relies on combined lifestyle support.
