A recent study suggests that people who discontinue new GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover shed pounds far faster than those who end traditional lifestyle plans.
Research printed in a leading health publication shows that while obese individuals can lose about a fifth of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the weight comes back at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"Users purchasing such drugs need to be informed of the risk of fast weight regain when the medication concludes," stated researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain implies a reversion to pre-treatment mass in about 18 months.
Weighing Approaches
The research, which examined 37 of studies involving thousands of patients, compared the results of these new drugs with other pills.
Researchers note that people who shed pounds through dieting usually see a slower creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Explaining the Rapid Rebound
Doctors suggest the mechanism of the jabs is key to understanding the heightened regain.
These medications copy a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates appetite.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 levels far above than the body's typical production may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and may also diminish sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' results in hunger is unsuppressed, making overeating a significant risk."
A Lifelong Issue?
Health authorities suggest the jabs for people with weight-linked health risks, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians contend that, given the significant potential of relapse, the therapy is often life-long.
This view is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who say that the findings "emphasize the chronic nature of excess weight," comparing it to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Testimonies
Users who have stopped the jabs describe a sudden resurgence of appetite.
"It was like a switch that goes on and you become ravenous," said a patient.
The struggle is compounded if users have not established lasting lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Growing Use
Figures show that a significant number of people in the UK have tried these injections in the past year, with demand being substantial.
- Adoption is higher among women compared to males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest usage rates.
- Many access the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Finally, clinicians stress that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent solution and long-term success likely depends on combined behavioural changes.
