New research suggests that patients who come off popular GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on shed pounds far faster than those who stop traditional diet and exercise programs.
Research printed in a prominent health publication points out that while obese people often shed a large proportion of their total mass while on the medication, the weight comes back at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"Users buying these drugs should be informed of the risk of rapid weight regain when the therapy concludes," stated expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery suggests a return to pre-treatment mass in about 18 months.
Comparing Treatments
The study, which reviewed 37 of studies involving thousands of patients, contrasted the outcomes of the injectable medications with older methods.
Researchers point out that people who lose weight through dieting typically have a less rapid creep back—approximately 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
Understanding the Rapid Regain
Nutrition scientists propose the way of the drugs accounts for the amplified regain.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a natural hormone called GLP-1, which controls hunger.
"Long-term administration of the hormone concentrations several times higher than normal might result in the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and may also diminish sensitivity to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to appetite is unsuppressed, making overeating much more probable."
An Ongoing Disease?
The NHS suggest the injections for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts contend that, given the likelihood of weight regain, the therapy should be considered long-term.
This view is supported by drug manufacturers, who say that the results "underscore the long-term nature of obesity," akin to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
Patient Experiences
People who have discontinued the jabs explain a intense resurgence of cravings.
"It was like a trigger flipping and I was suddenly starving," recalled an individual.
This challenge is exacerbated if users have not established sustainable lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Significant Use
Survey data show that millions of people in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with desire remaining high.
- Use is greater among women than males.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest level of interest.
- Many obtain the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, researchers stress that while these medications are effective tools for weight loss, they are not a magic fix and maintained weight loss relies on ongoing lifestyle changes.
