A recent study indicates 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 halt traditional lifestyle programs.
Published data in a prominent health publication shows that while obese individuals often shed a large proportion of their total mass while using the jabs, the weight is regained at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Individuals buying these medications should be informed of the risk of fast weight regain when the treatment is stopped," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain implies a reversion to original weight within about one and a half years.
Analyzing Treatments
The study, which examined dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the effects of the injectable medications with other pills.
Scientists point out that people who lose weight through dieting usually experience a less rapid creep back—perhaps 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
Understanding the Fast Rebound
Experts suggest the mode of action of the injections accounts for the heightened rebound.
These medications imitate a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate hunger.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 concentrations far above than the body's typical production might result in the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and could lessen sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Withdrawal of this medication results in appetite is uncontrolled, making excessive eating far more likely."
A Lifelong Disease?
The NHS advise the injections for individuals with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts contend that, due to the significant potential of weight regain, the treatment might need to be long-term.
This view is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who note that the results "highlight the long-term nature of obesity," akin to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Experiences
People who have come off the jabs report a powerful return of cravings.
"It felt as if a switch activating and you're instantly ravenous," recalled a patient.
This difficulty is worsened if patients have not adopted lasting dietary or behavioural modifications during treatment.
Significant Adoption
Survey data indicate that millions of adults in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with interest remaining high.
- Use is higher among females compared to males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, experts stress that while these medications are effective tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent solution and maintained weight loss relies on ongoing behavioural changes.
