New research suggests that individuals who come off popular weight-loss injections like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop traditional diet and exercise programs.
Research printed in a leading health publication points out that while overweight people frequently drop substantial amounts of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the mass comes back at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"People buying such drugs must be cognizant of the danger of quick rebound weight gain when the medication ends," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery suggests a return to starting weight within about a year and a half.
Analyzing Therapies
The study, which looked at 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with other pills.
Researchers point out that individuals who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone typically experience a less rapid weight regain—around 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
Explaining the Rapid Regain
Doctors believe the mode of action of the jabs is key to understanding the accelerated weight return.
GLP-1 drugs copy a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of the hormone concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and could reduce responsiveness to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to hunger is unsuppressed, making excessive eating far more likely."
An Ongoing Issue?
The NHS advise the injections for individuals with weight-linked health risks, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals contend that, considering the high risk of relapse, the therapy might need to be ongoing.
This perspective is echoed by drug manufacturers, who say that the findings "emphasize the persistent nature of obesity," comparing it to managing conditions like hypertension.
Patient Accounts
People who have stopped the jabs report a powerful return of hunger.
"I experienced a switch that goes on and you become starving," described a patient.
This difficulty is exacerbated if individuals have not adopted lasting lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Growing Interest
Figures indicate that a significant number of adults in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with desire continuing to grow.
- Use is greater among women compared to men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest usage rates.
- Many obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
In conclusion, clinicians caution that while GLP-1 drugs are effective agents for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent cure and maintained weight loss likely depends on combined lifestyle management.
