New research suggests that patients who come off popular GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro or Wegovy tend to recover lost weight far faster than those who stop traditional diet and exercise programs.
Findings released in a major medical journal demonstrates that while overweight people frequently drop a large proportion of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the weight is regained at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"Individuals buying such drugs must be informed of the risk of fast weight regain when the treatment ends," stated expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain suggests a return to original weight within about one and a half years.
Analyzing Therapies
The research, which looked at dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the outcomes of the injectable medications with other pills.
Researchers note that people who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone usually see a slower creep back—approximately 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
Explaining the Rapid Rebound
Doctors propose the way of the injections is key to understanding the amplified weight return.
These medications imitate a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing the hormone levels several times higher than the body's typical production might result in the body to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and could lessen responsiveness to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement leads to appetite is no longer kept in check, making excessive eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Disease?
Medical guidelines advise the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals contend that, considering the high risk of relapse, the treatment might need to be life-long.
This perspective is supported by drug manufacturers, who say that the findings "highlight the chronic nature of obesity," akin to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
Patient Testimonies
Users who have come off the jabs report a powerful return of hunger.
"It was like a trigger that goes on and I was suddenly ravenous," described a patient.
This challenge is compounded if patients have not established sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Growing Interest
Figures suggest that millions of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand being substantial.
- Adoption is higher among females compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest level of interest.
- Many access the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, experts caution that while these medications are effective tools for weight loss, they are not a magic cure and long-term success likely depends on combined lifestyle changes.
