A recent study indicates that people who come off blockbuster GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain shed pounds much more quickly than those who stop traditional diet and exercise plans.
Findings released in a leading medical journal shows that while overweight people often shed a large proportion of their total mass while on the medication, the weight comes back at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"People purchasing these treatments must be aware of the danger of fast rebound weight gain when the therapy ends," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery suggests a return to pre-treatment weight within about 18 months.
Weighing Approaches
The study, which examined 37 of studies involving thousands of patients, compared the outcomes of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
Researchers point out that people who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone typically have a slower weight regain—perhaps 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
The Reason for the Rapid Rebound
Doctors suggest the mechanism of the drugs is key to understanding the heightened regain.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls hunger.
"Artificially providing the hormone levels far above than the body's typical production may cause the body to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and could reduce sensitivity to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement means hunger is unsuppressed, making overeating far more likely."
A Lifelong Issue?
Medical guidelines advise the injections for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians contend that, due to the significant potential of relapse, the therapy is often life-long.
This opinion is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "underscore the chronic character of excess weight," comparing it to managing diseases like hypertension.
User Accounts
People who have discontinued the jabs describe a sudden resurgence of appetite.
"I experienced a switch that goes on and I was suddenly starving," recalled one woman.
This difficulty is worsened if users have not adopted permanent lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Significant Adoption
Recent estimates suggest that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand continuing to grow.
- Use is greater among females than men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the medications through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
In conclusion, researchers emphasize that while the jabs are powerful agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone solution and maintained weight loss hinges on combined lifestyle support.
