A recent study suggests that people who come off blockbuster GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro can put back on lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop traditional lifestyle plans.
Findings released in a prominent medical journal shows that while overweight people often shed substantial amounts of their body weight while using the jabs, the mass comes back at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"Individuals buying such treatments should be informed of the potential of rapid weight regain when the therapy is stopped," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain suggests a return to pre-treatment mass in about 18 months.
Analyzing Treatments
The research, which looked at 37 of trials involving thousands of participants, compared the effects of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
The team point out that individuals who lose weight through dieting typically experience a less rapid weight regain—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Understanding the Rapid Regain
Experts suggest the mode of action of the injections is key to understanding the heightened regain.
The injections copy a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates appetite.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 levels several times higher than the body's typical production might result in the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also lessen sensitivity to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement leads to hunger is unsuppressed, making binge eating far more likely."
An Ongoing Condition?
Medical guidelines suggest the jabs for people with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals argue that, given the significant potential of relapse, the treatment is often life-long.
This opinion is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the results "emphasize the chronic character of obesity," akin to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
Patient Experiences
Individuals who have discontinued the medication report a powerful return of hunger.
"It was like something that goes on and you're instantly starving," recalled one woman.
This challenge is worsened if individuals have not adopted lasting dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Widespread Adoption
Figures show that a significant number of people in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with demand continuing to grow.
- Adoption is more common among women than males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Finally, experts stress that while these medications are potent agents for shedding pounds, they are not a magic solution and lasting health benefits likely depends on integrated behavioural changes.
