A recent study suggests that people who discontinue popular GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain shed pounds much more quickly than those who stop traditional lifestyle programs.
Findings released in a major medical journal points out that while overweight people often shed a large proportion of their body weight while using the jabs, the mass returns at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Users purchasing these drugs need to be informed of the danger of fast weight regain when the therapy is stopped," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery suggests a reversion to pre-treatment weight in about 18 months.
Analyzing Approaches
The research, which looked at dozens of trials involving thousands of participants, compared the outcomes of the injectable medications with other pills.
The team point out that individuals who shed pounds through diet and exercise usually have a slower creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
The Reason for the Quick Rebound
Nutrition scientists suggest the mode of action of the drugs is key to understanding the heightened regain.
These medications mimic a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than normal could lead to the body to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and could reduce responsiveness to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Discontinuation of this hormone supplement leads to appetite is unsuppressed, making overeating much more probable."
A Lifelong Disease?
The NHS recommend the jabs for people with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals contend that, due to the high risk of weight regain, the treatment should be considered long-term.
This perspective is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the findings "underscore the long-term nature of excess weight," comparing it to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
Patient Testimonies
Users who have discontinued the medication report a powerful resurgence of hunger.
"I experienced a trigger that goes on and you become extremely hungry," recalled a patient.
This difficulty is worsened if patients have not established permanent lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Significant Use
Figures show that a significant number of people in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with interest being substantial.
- Adoption is higher among women compared to males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- Many access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Finally, researchers emphasize that while the jabs are powerful tools for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone fix and maintained weight loss likely depends on combined lifestyle management.
