A recent study reveals that people who come off new GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro or Wegovy tend to recover lost weight much more quickly than those who stop conventional diet and exercise programs.
Published data in a leading health publication demonstrates that while obese people often shed a large proportion of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the weight is regained at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"Individuals buying such drugs need to be cognizant of the danger of fast weight regain when the therapy concludes," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery implies a reversion to pre-treatment weight in about a year and a half.
Comparing Therapies
The analysis, which examined 37 of studies involving thousands of participants, contrasted the effects of the injectable medications with older methods.
The team note that individuals who shed pounds through dieting typically have a slower creep back—approximately 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
The Reason for the Quick Regain
Doctors propose the mode of action of the injections explains the amplified weight return.
The injections imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate hunger.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than normal may cause the body to produce less of its own natural hormone, and may also lessen sensitivity to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Discontinuation of this medication results in appetite is unsuppressed, making excessive eating a significant risk."
An Ongoing Issue?
Medical guidelines advise the jabs for people with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by recommended lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians contend that, considering the likelihood of weight regain, the therapy might need to be long-term.
This opinion is supported by drug manufacturers, who note that the results "emphasize the chronic character of obesity," similar to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
Patient Experiences
Individuals who have come off the jabs report a sudden resurgence of appetite.
"It was like a switch that goes on and you're instantly starving," described one woman.
This difficulty is worsened if users have not adopted sustainable lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Growing Adoption
Recent estimates show that millions of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with interest remaining high.
- Adoption is higher among women compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Finally, researchers stress that while these medications are potent agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent fix and long-term success relies on ongoing behavioural changes.
