New research reveals that patients who discontinue blockbuster GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on reduced body mass far faster than those who halt conventional diet and exercise programs.
Research printed in a major health publication shows that while obese people can lose a large proportion of their body weight while using the jabs, the mass returns at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"People using such drugs must be informed of the danger of fast rebound weight gain when the medication is stopped," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain implies a reversion to starting mass in about one and a half years.
Weighing Treatments
The research, which reviewed dozens of studies involving thousands of participants, compared the effects of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
Scientists emphasize that people who lose weight through dieting usually have a more gradual weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Explaining the Fast Rebound
Doctors suggest the way of the injections explains the accelerated rebound.
The injections imitate a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing the hormone levels far above than normal may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and could reduce responsiveness to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Stopping of this medication leads to hunger is unsuppressed, making binge eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Issue?
Health authorities recommend the injections for people with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians contend that, considering the likelihood of weight regain, the therapy might need to be ongoing.
This view is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "emphasize the long-term nature of obesity," comparing it to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Accounts
Users who have stopped the medication describe a powerful resurgence of cravings.
"I experienced something that goes on and you become starving," said one woman.
This difficulty is worsened if individuals have not established lasting dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Growing Interest
Survey data show that millions of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with desire remaining high.
- Use is greater among women than males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many access the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
In conclusion, experts emphasize that while the jabs are potent agents for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent cure and long-term success hinges on combined behavioural support.
