A recent study indicates that people who come off popular GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who end conventional diet and exercise regimens.
Findings released in a major health publication points out that while overweight individuals often shed about a fifth of their total mass while on the medication, the weight returns at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"People using these drugs must be cognizant of the risk of quick weight regain when the therapy is stopped," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery implies a return to starting weight within about a year and a half.
Weighing Therapies
The research, which reviewed dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the outcomes of these new drugs with older methods.
The team emphasize that people who shed pounds through dieting usually see a less rapid creep back—around 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
Understanding the Rapid Regain
Doctors believe the mechanism of the jabs accounts for the accelerated rebound.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which moderates feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 concentrations far above than normal might result in the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and could reduce sensitivity to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement results in appetite is unsuppressed, making overeating a significant risk."
A Chronic Issue?
Medical guidelines suggest the injections for people with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians contend that, considering the high risk of weight regain, the treatment might need to be long-term.
This opinion is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the results "underscore the persistent nature of excess weight," comparing it to managing diseases like hypertension.
Patient Accounts
People who have stopped the jabs explain a sudden resurgence of appetite.
"It felt as if something activating and I was suddenly ravenous," recalled one woman.
The struggle is exacerbated if users have not developed sustainable dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Significant Interest
Survey data show that millions of people in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with desire remaining high.
- Use is higher among women compared to males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, clinicians emphasize that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful tools for weight loss, they are not a standalone solution and maintained weight loss likely depends on ongoing lifestyle changes.
