New research indicates that patients who stop using popular GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on shed pounds much more quickly than those who stop traditional lifestyle programs.
Research printed in a leading health publication demonstrates that while obese individuals can lose substantial amounts of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the weight is regained at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"Users purchasing such drugs need to be aware of the danger of rapid weight regain when the therapy concludes," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain means a reversion to original mass in about one and a half years.
Weighing Treatments
The study, which looked at 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the effects of these new drugs with other pills.
The team note that individuals who lose weight through diet and exercise typically have a less rapid weight regain—approximately 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.
Explaining the Rapid Regain
Doctors suggest the way of the drugs explains the heightened weight return.
The injections mimic a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls appetite.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone concentrations far above than the body's typical production might result in the body to produce less of its own natural hormone, and could lessen sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Discontinuation of this hormone supplement leads to appetite is uncontrolled, making overeating a significant risk."
A Lifelong Issue?
The NHS advise the injections for individuals with weight-linked health risks, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
Professionals contend that, due to the high risk of relapse, the treatment is often life-long.
This opinion is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the results "emphasize the chronic character of obesity," similar to managing diseases like hypertension.
Patient Accounts
People who have come off the jabs describe a powerful resurgence of appetite.
"It was like a switch that goes on and you're instantly starving," described a patient.
This difficulty is exacerbated if patients have not established permanent dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Growing Use
Recent estimates indicate that a significant number of people in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with demand remaining high.
- Use is higher among women compared to males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Ultimately, clinicians caution that while these medications are effective tools for weight loss, they are not a magic fix and long-term success likely depends on integrated lifestyle support.
