New research indicates that people who stop using popular GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on reduced body mass much more quickly than those who stop conventional lifestyle programs.
Published data in a leading health publication demonstrates that while obese individuals can lose a large proportion of their body weight while on the medication, the weight returns at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Individuals buying these medications should be cognizant of the potential of fast weight regain when the medication concludes," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery implies a return to starting mass in about a year and a half.
Weighing Treatments
The research, which examined 37 of trials involving thousands of patients, contrasted the results of the injectable medications with older methods.
Researchers emphasize that individuals who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone usually experience a slower weight regain—around 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
Explaining the Fast Regain
Experts propose the mechanism of the injections is key to understanding the heightened rebound.
The injections imitate a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates feelings of fullness.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone concentrations far above than normal may cause the body to produce less of its own natural hormone, and may also lessen sensitivity to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' means appetite is uncontrolled, making excessive eating far more likely."
An Ongoing Condition?
Health authorities suggest the jabs for people with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts argue that, considering the high risk of weight regain, the therapy is often ongoing.
This opinion is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the results "highlight the chronic character of excess weight," comparing it to managing diseases like hypertension.
Patient Accounts
Individuals who have come off the jabs explain a intense resurgence of hunger.
"It was like something activating and you're instantly extremely hungry," said an individual.
This challenge is exacerbated if individuals have not adopted permanent lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Growing Use
Recent estimates suggest that millions of people in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with desire continuing to grow.
- Adoption is more common among women compared to men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest level of interest.
- Many obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, clinicians caution that while these medications are powerful tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent solution and maintained weight loss relies on combined lifestyle management.
