New research reveals that patients who stop using popular GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt traditional diet and exercise programs.
Findings released in a leading medical journal shows that while overweight individuals often shed substantial amounts of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the weight is regained at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"People buying such drugs need to be aware of the risk of quick rebound weight gain when the medication ends," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery implies a reversion to pre-treatment mass in about a year and a half.
Comparing Therapies
The research, which reviewed dozens of studies involving thousands of patients, compared the outcomes of the injectable medications with other pills.
Scientists emphasize that individuals who lose weight through dieting typically see a slower creep back—perhaps 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
The Reason for the Rapid Rebound
Experts believe the mechanism of the drugs accounts for the accelerated regain.
The injections imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls appetite.
"Long-term administration of the hormone concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production might result in the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and may also lessen responsiveness to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Discontinuation of this hormone supplement means appetite is uncontrolled, making binge eating far more likely."
An Ongoing Disease?
The NHS advise the jabs for individuals with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals say that, due to the likelihood of relapse, the therapy is often life-long.
This view is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the results "underscore the long-term character of obesity," akin to managing diseases like hypertension.
Patient Accounts
Individuals who have come off the jabs describe a powerful resurgence of appetite.
"It was like a trigger that goes on and I was suddenly starving," recalled one woman.
This challenge is compounded if patients have not developed permanent lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Widespread Interest
Recent estimates show that a significant number of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with desire remaining high.
- Use is higher among women compared to men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Ultimately, clinicians emphasize that while these medications are effective agents for shedding pounds, they are not a magic cure and long-term success hinges on integrated behavioural support.
