Fresh analysis reveals that patients who stop using new GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on shed pounds much more quickly than those who stop traditional lifestyle plans.
Published data in a leading health publication shows that while obese people often shed a large proportion of their total mass while on the medication, the mass is regained at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"People purchasing these treatments should be informed of the risk of rapid weight regain when the therapy ends," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery implies a return to starting weight within about a year and a half.
Weighing Treatments
The analysis, which looked at dozens of trials involving thousands of patients, compared the results of these new drugs with older methods.
The team point out that individuals who shed pounds through diet and exercise typically see a slower weight regain—perhaps 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
Understanding the Rapid Regain
Experts believe the way of the jabs accounts for the amplified weight return.
The injections copy a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone concentrations far above than normal might result in the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and could lessen responsiveness to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Discontinuation of this medication results in appetite is uncontrolled, making binge eating a significant risk."
An Ongoing Disease?
The NHS advise the injections for individuals with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals say that, due to the high risk of weight regain, the treatment should be considered ongoing.
This view is echoed by drug manufacturers, who state that the findings "highlight the chronic nature of excess weight," similar to managing diseases like diabetes.
User Experiences
People who have come off the jabs explain a sudden return of appetite.
"I experienced a trigger activating and I was suddenly extremely hungry," said an individual.
This difficulty is worsened if users have not established sustainable lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Widespread Use
Survey data suggest that a significant number of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with interest being substantial.
- Use is more common among women than males.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, researchers caution that while the jabs are effective tools for weight loss, they are not a magic fix and maintained weight loss hinges on integrated lifestyle support.
