Users Face Weight Regain After Stopping GLP-1 Drugs Like Mounjaro

Concerns about rising prices and long-term use of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs such as Mounjaro and Wegovy are prompting many users to reconsider their weight management strategies. According to recent reports, more than 1.5 million people in the United Kingdom are currently using these medications, which mimic hormones that regulate appetite. As users like Karen Lay, 56, have discovered, stopping these medications can lead to a rapid return of hunger and weight gain.

Lay, who works in financial services, described her experience after discontinuing Mounjaro: “The hunger was uncontrollable. I went to bed thinking about food and woke up thinking about food,” she recalled. After just four weeks without the medication, Lay gained 5 kg, reflecting a broader trend highlighted by research indicating that many individuals regain lost weight within 10 to 20 months after ceasing treatment. This prompted the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to recommend structured support for up to a year for those transitioning off obesity medications.

The Biological Impact of Stopping GLP-1 Medications

When users stop taking GLP-1 medications, the changes in their bodies can be significant. These drugs are typically administered via injection on a weekly basis. For instance, the half-life of Wegovy (semaglutide) is approximately one week, while that of Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is about five days. After the last injection, the drug’s effects gradually diminish, leading to a resurgence of appetite.

According to Susan Jebb, a professor of diet and population health at the University of Oxford, “When you stop taking them, appetite bounces back to its natural level.” Many users begin to experience increased hunger and cravings within days of stopping the medication. Lay noted that her cravings became overwhelming, requiring an intervention from her daughter to manage her food intake.

Research published in BMC Medicine supports these observations, indicating that significant weight regain often occurs as early as eight weeks after stopping the drugs, with a tendency to plateau around 20 weeks. The extent of weight regain varies based on the type of medication and lifestyle changes that individuals implement.

Strategies to Mitigate Weight Regain

Experts recommend a gradual approach to discontinuing weight-loss medications. Consulting with healthcare providers for a tailored plan can help manage cravings effectively. Rachael Joy, chief clinical officer for private prescriber SheMed, emphasized the importance of slowly tapering off the medication to avoid aggressive cravings.

Long-term use of GLP-1 medications can be complex. While the drugs are known to reduce risks of serious health issues such as strokes and heart attacks, many users express concerns about the prospect of lifelong medication. Lay, who lost only 5 kg while taking Mounjaro, ultimately decided to stop to regain a sense of normalcy in her social life. “I like food. I enjoy going out to eat with my girlfriends,” she explained.

For those transitioning off these medications, adopting healthy lifestyle changes is critical. Incorporating regular exercise, particularly strength training, can help mitigate muscle loss that often accompanies weight regain. Experts also stress the importance of dietary modifications while still taking the medication to promote lasting change.

Lay’s experience illustrates the significance of having a support system in place during this transition. After ceasing Mounjaro, she turned to the 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan. With the help of her diet coach, she has successfully lost additional weight and improved her overall health.

As users navigate the complexities of weight management after GLP-1 medications, the combination of medical support, lifestyle changes, and community resources can play a pivotal role in achieving sustainable weight loss.