A recent study indicates that patients who come off popular GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt conventional diet and exercise plans.
Published data in a major medical journal shows that while overweight people often shed about a fifth of their total mass while using the jabs, the mass returns at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"Users using such treatments should be aware of the risk of fast weight regain when the treatment ends," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain implies a return to pre-treatment weight in about one and a half years.
Weighing Approaches
The study, which looked at 37 of trials involving thousands of patients, compared the outcomes of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
Researchers emphasize that individuals who shed pounds through dieting typically experience a slower weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Explaining the Quick Rebound
Nutrition scientists propose the mode of action of the drugs explains the amplified regain.
The injections imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls hunger.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production may cause the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and could diminish responsiveness to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Discontinuation of this medication means hunger is no longer kept in check, making overeating far more likely."
A Chronic Issue?
Health authorities advise the injections for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals say that, due to the likelihood of weight regain, the treatment might need to be long-term.
This view is echoed by drug manufacturers, who say that the findings "emphasize the persistent nature of excess weight," akin to managing diseases like diabetes.
Patient Experiences
Individuals who have come off the medication describe a powerful resurgence of cravings.
"It felt as if a trigger that goes on and you become starving," said an individual.
This challenge is exacerbated if individuals have not developed permanent dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Significant Adoption
Recent estimates indicate that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with interest continuing to grow.
- Adoption is higher among women than males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, experts emphasize that while these medications are potent agents for weight loss, they are not a magic fix and long-term success relies on integrated lifestyle changes.
