Fresh analysis suggests that individuals who discontinue new GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro or Wegovy tend to recover lost weight much more quickly than those who stop traditional diet and exercise programs.
Findings released in a leading medical journal demonstrates that while overweight people can lose a large proportion of their body weight while on the medication, the mass is regained at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"People buying such drugs need to be aware of the potential of fast rebound weight gain when the medication concludes," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery implies a return to starting weight within about 18 months.
Comparing Approaches
The analysis, which examined dozens of studies involving thousands of participants, contrasted the effects of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
The team emphasize that individuals who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone typically have a less rapid creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
The Reason for the Rapid Regain
Experts suggest the mechanism of the jabs accounts for the heightened rebound.
The injections copy a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls appetite.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 levels several times higher than normal could lead to the system to produce less of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also lessen responsiveness to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement means hunger is no longer kept in check, making excessive eating much more probable."
A Chronic Issue?
Health authorities advise the injections for individuals with weight-linked health risks, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts say that, due to the high risk of weight regain, the treatment should be considered long-term.
This view is echoed by drug manufacturers, who say that the results "emphasize the long-term nature of obesity," comparing it to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
Patient Testimonies
People who have discontinued the jabs report a intense resurgence of appetite.
"It was like a trigger activating and I was suddenly starving," recalled one woman.
This challenge is worsened if patients have not adopted lasting lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Growing Use
Figures indicate that millions of people in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with demand continuing to grow.
- Use is greater among women than males.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Finally, clinicians caution that while these medications are effective agents for shedding pounds, they are not a magic solution and maintained weight loss likely depends on combined behavioural support.
