New research suggests that patients who come off popular GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on shed pounds much more quickly than those who stop traditional diet and exercise plans.
Published data in a leading medical journal demonstrates that while obese people often shed a large proportion of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the weight comes back at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"Users purchasing such drugs need to be aware of the potential of quick weight regain when the therapy is stopped," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain means a reversion to pre-treatment mass in about one and a half years.
Weighing Treatments
The analysis, which looked at 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the results of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
Scientists emphasize that people who shed pounds through dieting typically experience a more gradual creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Understanding the Rapid Rebound
Doctors propose the way of the jabs accounts for the amplified weight return.
These medications imitate a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of the hormone levels several times higher than normal may cause the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also lessen responsiveness to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement leads to hunger is no longer kept in check, making binge eating far more likely."
A Chronic Issue?
The NHS suggest the jabs for people with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts contend that, given the likelihood of weight regain, the treatment is often ongoing.
This view is supported by drug manufacturers, who note that the findings "emphasize the chronic character of obesity," similar to managing conditions like hypertension.
User Accounts
People who have stopped the jabs explain a powerful return of hunger.
"I experienced a switch flipping and you become ravenous," described one woman.
This challenge is worsened if users have not developed sustainable dietary or behavioural modifications during treatment.
Growing Interest
Figures indicate that millions of people in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with demand being substantial.
- Use is more common among females than men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, researchers caution that while the jabs are potent agents for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone solution and maintained weight loss relies on integrated lifestyle changes.
