A recent study suggests that patients who discontinue new GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro or Wegovy tend to recover shed pounds far faster than those who end conventional lifestyle regimens.
Research printed in a major health publication shows that while obese people frequently drop about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the weight is regained at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Individuals buying these medications need to be informed of the risk of rapid weight regain when the treatment concludes," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery means a reversion to pre-treatment weight in about one and a half years.
Weighing Therapies
The research, which reviewed dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the outcomes of the injectable medications with other pills.
Researchers point out that individuals who lose weight through diet and exercise generally experience a less rapid weight regain—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Explaining the Rapid Rebound
Nutrition scientists propose the mechanism of the injections accounts for the accelerated rebound.
The injections mimic a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing the hormone levels far above than normal could lead to the system to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and may also reduce sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to hunger is no longer kept in check, making excessive eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Issue?
The NHS recommend the injections for individuals with obesity-related health risks, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals argue that, given the significant potential of weight regain, the therapy might need to be life-long.
This perspective is echoed by drug manufacturers, who say that the results "underscore the chronic nature of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like hypertension.
Patient Testimonies
Users who have discontinued the medication describe a sudden return of appetite.
"It felt as if a trigger activating and you're instantly ravenous," recalled an individual.
This challenge is worsened if users have not developed lasting dietary or behavioural modifications during treatment.
Growing Adoption
Survey data indicate that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with desire remaining high.
- Use is higher among females compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Ultimately, experts caution that while the jabs are powerful agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone fix and long-term success hinges on combined behavioural support.
