Fresh analysis suggests that individuals who come off blockbuster weight-loss injections like Mounjaro or Wegovy tend to recover reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt traditional diet and exercise plans.
Published data in a leading medical journal points out that while overweight people can lose about a fifth of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the mass is regained at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"People buying these treatments should be informed of the potential of quick weight regain when the treatment ends," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain suggests a reversion to original weight in about 18 months.
Analyzing Approaches
The study, which looked at dozens of studies involving thousands of patients, compared the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
Researchers point out that people who shed pounds through diet and exercise usually experience a slower weight regain—approximately 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
Understanding the Rapid Regain
Doctors propose the mechanism of the drugs accounts for the heightened regain.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of the hormone levels far above than normal might result in the system to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and may also reduce sensitivity to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Discontinuation of this hormone supplement results in hunger is unsuppressed, making excessive eating far more likely."
An Ongoing Issue?
Health authorities suggest the jabs for individuals with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals contend that, given the high risk of weight regain, the therapy might need to be ongoing.
This view is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the findings "underscore the chronic nature of excess weight," comparing it to managing diseases like diabetes.
Patient Experiences
Users who have stopped the jabs describe a powerful resurgence of appetite.
"It was like a switch activating and you become ravenous," recalled a patient.
This challenge is worsened if users have not developed sustainable lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Significant Interest
Figures indicate that millions of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with interest continuing to grow.
- Use is more common among females than men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Ultimately, researchers caution that while GLP-1 drugs are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a magic fix and maintained weight loss hinges on combined behavioural management.
