Fresh analysis suggests that patients who come off new GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro or Wegovy may regain lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt traditional lifestyle regimens.
Findings released in a major medical journal demonstrates that while overweight individuals often shed substantial amounts of their total mass while on the medication, the mass comes back at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"People purchasing these medications must be informed of the risk of fast rebound weight gain when the medication is stopped," stated expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain implies a return to starting weight within about one and a half years.
Analyzing Treatments
The study, which examined 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the effects of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
The team emphasize that individuals who shed pounds through dieting usually have a more gradual creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Explaining the Fast Rebound
Doctors suggest the mechanism of the drugs accounts for the amplified weight return.
These medications imitate a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates hunger.
"Artificially providing the hormone levels several times higher than the body's typical production might result in the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and could diminish sensitivity to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Discontinuation of this hormone supplement means appetite is unsuppressed, making excessive eating far more likely."
A Lifelong Disease?
The NHS suggest the injections for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
Professionals contend that, considering the significant potential of relapse, the therapy is often life-long.
This view is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the results "underscore the long-term character of obesity," akin to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Experiences
Users who have come off the medication explain a sudden resurgence of hunger.
"I experienced something that goes on and I was suddenly starving," recalled a patient.
The struggle is worsened if users have not adopted lasting lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Widespread Adoption
Recent estimates indicate that a significant number 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 men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, researchers emphasize that while GLP-1 drugs are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a magic solution and maintained weight loss hinges on ongoing behavioural support.
