New research indicates that patients who stop using popular GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro or Wegovy tend to recover reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who end traditional lifestyle programs.
Findings released in a prominent medical journal points out that while obese people often shed about a fifth of their total mass while on the medication, the mass is regained at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"Individuals purchasing such drugs must be cognizant of the risk of quick rebound weight gain when the therapy is stopped," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain means a return to original weight in about one and a half years.
Analyzing Therapies
The study, which examined dozens of studies involving thousands of patients, compared the results of the injectable medications with other pills.
The team note that people who lose weight through diet and exercise typically experience a less rapid creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
The Reason for the Fast Rebound
Doctors believe the mechanism of the jabs explains the amplified rebound.
The injections copy a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 concentrations far above than the body's typical production may cause the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and may also diminish sensitivity to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Discontinuation of this hormone supplement results in hunger is no longer kept in check, making excessive eating a significant risk."
An Ongoing Condition?
Medical guidelines suggest the injections for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts argue that, considering the high risk of relapse, the therapy might need to be ongoing.
This opinion is echoed by drug manufacturers, who note that the results "emphasize the chronic character of obesity," comparing it to managing conditions like diabetes.
User Accounts
People who have come off the jabs report a sudden resurgence of cravings.
"It was like a switch that goes on and I was suddenly ravenous," said one woman.
The struggle is compounded if users have not established sustainable lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Growing Use
Figures suggest that a significant number of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with interest being substantial.
- Use is more common among women than males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Ultimately, clinicians stress that while the jabs are powerful agents for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone solution and maintained weight loss hinges on integrated lifestyle management.
