New research suggests that individuals who come off blockbuster GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who end traditional diet and exercise regimens.
Research printed in a major health publication demonstrates that while obese people often shed about a fifth of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the mass returns at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"Users buying such drugs need to be informed of the danger of rapid weight regain when the treatment is stopped," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain implies a return to original weight in about a year and a half.
Comparing Approaches
The analysis, which looked at dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the effects of these new drugs with older methods.
The team point out that people who shed pounds through diet and exercise generally experience a more gradual weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Rapid Rebound
Doctors believe the way of the drugs is key to understanding the amplified rebound.
These medications mimic a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls hunger.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than normal could lead to the system to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and could reduce responsiveness to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Withdrawal of this medication leads to hunger is unsuppressed, making binge eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Disease?
The NHS advise the injections for individuals with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals say that, due to the likelihood of relapse, the treatment is often life-long.
This view is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "underscore the long-term nature of obesity," similar to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
User Experiences
Users who have discontinued the jabs report a powerful return of hunger.
"It was like something activating and you're instantly extremely hungry," recalled one woman.
This challenge is worsened if users have not adopted sustainable lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Growing Adoption
Recent estimates indicate that millions of people in the UK have tried these injections in the past year, with demand continuing to grow.
- Adoption is higher among females compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- Many obtain the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, researchers emphasize that while the jabs are effective tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent solution and maintained weight loss relies on combined lifestyle support.
