A recent study suggests that individuals who come off new GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop traditional lifestyle programs.
Published data in a prominent medical journal shows that while overweight people often shed about a fifth of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the mass returns at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"People purchasing such medications need to be cognizant of the risk of fast weight regain when the treatment ends," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery suggests a return to pre-treatment mass within about one and a half years.
Analyzing Approaches
The research, which reviewed 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the results of the injectable medications with other pills.
Scientists note that people who shed pounds through diet and exercise generally have a less rapid weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Explaining the Quick Regain
Nutrition scientists suggest the mechanism of the injections accounts for the accelerated weight return.
The injections copy a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls appetite.
"Artificially providing the hormone levels far above than normal could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and could lessen responsiveness to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' means appetite is no longer kept in check, making binge eating much more probable."
A Chronic Disease?
The NHS suggest the injections for individuals with obesity-related health risks, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts argue that, due to the high risk of weight regain, the treatment should be considered ongoing.
This view is echoed by drug manufacturers, who state that the results "underscore the long-term nature of obesity," comparing it to managing diseases like hypertension.
Patient Accounts
Users who have come off the medication report a powerful return of appetite.
"It was like a switch flipping and I was suddenly ravenous," said an individual.
This difficulty is compounded if patients have not adopted permanent lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Widespread Adoption
Survey data show that a significant number of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with demand continuing to grow.
- Adoption is more common among women compared to men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
In conclusion, experts stress that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone fix and long-term success relies on ongoing behavioural changes.
