Fresh analysis indicates that patients who come off blockbuster GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro or Wegovy may regain shed pounds much more quickly than those who end conventional lifestyle programs.
Research printed in a major health publication points out that while overweight people can lose substantial amounts of their total mass while using the jabs, the weight returns at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"Users using such treatments must be aware of the risk of quick weight regain when the treatment ends," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery implies a reversion to starting mass in about 18 months.
Analyzing Approaches
The research, which examined 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the results of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
Scientists note that people who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone usually have a more gradual weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
Explaining the Rapid Rebound
Nutrition scientists believe the way of the injections is key to understanding the heightened regain.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone concentrations far above than the body's typical production might result in the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and may also lessen responsiveness to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' means hunger is unsuppressed, making binge eating far more likely."
An Ongoing Issue?
The NHS suggest the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians contend that, given the significant potential of relapse, the therapy should be considered long-term.
This perspective is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the findings "highlight the chronic nature of obesity," similar to managing conditions like diabetes.
User Accounts
Individuals who have discontinued the jabs describe a intense resurgence of hunger.
"It was like something that goes on and you become starving," recalled an individual.
This challenge is compounded if individuals have not adopted permanent dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Significant Use
Recent estimates show that millions of people in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with interest remaining high.
- Adoption is more common among females compared to males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, researchers emphasize that while GLP-1 drugs are effective agents for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent fix and long-term success relies on ongoing lifestyle support.
