New research suggests that patients who discontinue blockbuster GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt traditional lifestyle plans.
Research printed in a major medical journal points out that while obese people can lose about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the weight is regained at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"People using these drugs must be aware of the risk of quick rebound weight gain when the therapy ends," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain implies a return to original weight within about a year and a half.
Analyzing Approaches
The analysis, which reviewed 37 of studies involving thousands of participants, contrasted the effects of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
The team note that people who shed pounds through dieting typically have a slower weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Rapid Rebound
Experts suggest the mode of action of the injections explains the heightened weight return.
The injections copy a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate hunger.
"Artificially providing the hormone concentrations far above than normal may cause the body to produce less of its own natural hormone, and could reduce sensitivity to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Stopping of this medication leads to hunger is no longer kept in check, making binge eating much more probable."
A Lifelong Issue?
The NHS suggest the injections for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
Many experts say that, given the significant potential of relapse, the treatment is often long-term.
This perspective is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the results "emphasize the chronic nature of obesity," comparing it to managing diseases like diabetes.
User Experiences
People who have discontinued the medication report a powerful return of cravings.
"It was like something that goes on and you become extremely hungry," said an individual.
The struggle is worsened if individuals have not developed permanent dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Growing Interest
Survey data show that a significant number of people in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with desire continuing to grow.
- Adoption is more common among women than men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Ultimately, researchers stress that while GLP-1 drugs are effective agents for shedding pounds, they are not a magic solution and long-term success likely depends on combined lifestyle changes.
