A recent study indicates that patients who come off new GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro tend to recover reduced body mass much more quickly than those who halt traditional diet and exercise plans.
Findings released in a prominent health publication shows that while overweight people frequently drop about a fifth of their total mass while on the medication, the weight returns at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"People purchasing such medications should be informed of the danger of fast weight regain when the therapy is stopped," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery suggests a return to original mass in about one and a half years.
Weighing Treatments
The study, which examined dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the outcomes of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
The team point out that individuals who shed pounds through diet and exercise usually have a less rapid weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Fast Regain
Nutrition scientists propose the way of the drugs accounts for the heightened regain.
The injections copy a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls appetite.
"Artificially providing the hormone levels several times higher than the body's typical production could lead to the body to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and may also diminish sensitivity to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Discontinuation of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to appetite is no longer kept in check, making overeating a significant risk."
A Lifelong Issue?
The NHS advise the injections for people with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians say that, considering the likelihood of weight regain, the therapy should be considered long-term.
This perspective is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the results "emphasize the chronic nature of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like diabetes.
User Accounts
People who have stopped the jabs explain a powerful return of cravings.
"I experienced a trigger that goes on and I was suddenly extremely hungry," recalled an individual.
The struggle is exacerbated if individuals have not established sustainable lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Growing Interest
Figures show that a significant number of people in the UK have tried these injections in the past year, with desire remaining high.
- Use is greater among females than men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, experts caution that while these medications are powerful tools for shedding pounds, they are not a magic solution and lasting health benefits likely depends on integrated behavioural support.
