A recent study indicates that individuals who come off popular GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on lost weight much more quickly than those who stop traditional diet and exercise programs.
Published data in a major health publication shows that while obese people often shed about a fifth of their body weight while using the jabs, the weight returns at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"Users using such medications need to be cognizant of the risk of quick rebound weight gain when the treatment concludes," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain means a return to original weight within about 18 months.
Analyzing Therapies
The analysis, which looked at 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the effects of these new drugs with older methods.
The team point out that individuals who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone generally experience a slower weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
The Reason for the Fast Rebound
Nutrition scientists believe the mode of action of the jabs accounts for the heightened regain.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which moderates appetite.
"Long-term administration of the hormone concentrations far above than the body's typical production might result in the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and could diminish sensitivity to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to hunger is no longer kept in check, making excessive eating far more likely."
A Chronic Condition?
Medical guidelines suggest the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts say that, considering the high risk of weight regain, the therapy is often ongoing.
This opinion is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the findings "underscore the chronic character of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
User Experiences
Users who have stopped the medication report a powerful return of hunger.
"It felt as if a trigger that goes on and I was suddenly extremely hungry," described an individual.
This challenge is exacerbated if users have not adopted sustainable dietary or behavioural modifications during treatment.
Significant Use
Survey data indicate that a significant number of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with desire continuing to grow.
- Adoption is higher among females than males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- Many obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Finally, experts emphasize that while these medications are powerful agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent fix and long-term success relies on combined behavioural support.
