New research indicates that patients who stop using blockbuster GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who end conventional lifestyle plans.
Published data in a leading health publication demonstrates that while overweight people often shed a large proportion of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the weight returns at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"People using these drugs should be informed of the danger of quick weight regain when the therapy ends," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery suggests a return to starting weight within about a year and a half.
Weighing Treatments
The research, which looked at dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the outcomes of the injectable medications with other pills.
Researchers note that people who lose weight through dieting usually see a less rapid weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Explaining the Fast Rebound
Nutrition scientists believe the way of the drugs accounts for the accelerated rebound.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of the hormone concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production may cause the body to produce less of its own natural hormone, and may also diminish sensitivity to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement leads to appetite is uncontrolled, making excessive eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Issue?
Health authorities recommend the injections for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts contend that, given the significant potential of weight regain, the therapy might need to be long-term.
This perspective is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who say that the findings "emphasize the long-term nature of obesity," similar to managing diseases like hypertension.
Patient Accounts
Individuals who have discontinued the jabs describe a powerful return of hunger.
"It was like something that goes on and you become ravenous," recalled an individual.
This difficulty is exacerbated if individuals have not developed sustainable dietary or behavioural modifications during treatment.
Growing Use
Recent estimates show that a significant number of people in the UK have tried these injections in the past year, with interest being substantial.
- Adoption is more common among women compared to men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Ultimately, experts caution that while the jabs are effective agents for shedding pounds, they are not a magic fix and lasting health benefits hinges on combined lifestyle support.
