A recent study suggests that individuals who stop using popular GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt traditional diet and exercise plans.
Findings released in a leading medical journal shows that while overweight individuals frequently drop a large proportion of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the weight returns at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"Users buying such treatments should be aware of the danger of rapid rebound weight gain when the therapy concludes," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery suggests a reversion to pre-treatment weight in about 18 months.
Analyzing Therapies
The study, which examined dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
Researchers point out that people who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone typically experience a more gradual creep back—approximately 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
Explaining the Rapid Rebound
Doctors suggest the mode of action of the drugs accounts for the amplified regain.
The injections mimic a natural hormone called GLP-1, which controls hunger.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 levels several times higher than normal could lead to the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and could diminish responsiveness to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Discontinuation of this medication results in hunger is no longer kept in check, making overeating much more probable."
A Lifelong Condition?
Health authorities suggest the jabs for people with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts say that, due to the significant potential of relapse, the therapy should be considered ongoing.
This opinion is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the results "emphasize the chronic nature of obesity," comparing it to managing conditions like hypertension.
Patient Accounts
People who have stopped the jabs explain a powerful return of appetite.
"I experienced something flipping and I was suddenly extremely hungry," described a patient.
The struggle is exacerbated if patients have not developed permanent dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Significant Adoption
Figures suggest that millions of people in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with desire remaining high.
- Adoption is greater among women than men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Finally, experts emphasize that while the jabs are effective agents for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent solution and maintained weight loss likely depends on combined lifestyle changes.
