Fresh analysis indicates that people who come off popular GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop traditional diet and exercise regimens.
Published data in a major health publication demonstrates that while obese people can lose about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the weight comes back at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"Individuals using such medications need to be informed of the danger of fast weight regain when the therapy ends," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain suggests a return to starting weight within about one and a half years.
Analyzing Treatments
The study, which reviewed 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the results of the injectable medications with older methods.
Scientists point out that individuals who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone generally have a less rapid creep back—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Rapid Rebound
Experts believe the way of the jabs is key to understanding the amplified weight return.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Artificially providing the hormone concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production could lead to the body to produce less of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also diminish sensitivity to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement results in appetite is unsuppressed, making excessive eating far more likely."
A Lifelong Issue?
The NHS recommend the injections for people with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians argue that, due to the high risk of weight regain, the therapy is often long-term.
This perspective is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the results "emphasize the chronic character of obesity," akin to managing diseases like hypertension.
User Experiences
People who have discontinued the medication explain a sudden return of hunger.
"I experienced something activating and I was suddenly ravenous," described a patient.
This difficulty is compounded if patients have not adopted permanent lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Widespread Use
Survey data indicate that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with interest being substantial.
- Use is greater among women than males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Finally, experts stress that while these medications are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone solution and maintained weight loss likely depends on combined behavioural changes.
