New research reveals that people who discontinue popular GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain lost weight far faster than those who end traditional lifestyle programs.
Findings released in a leading medical journal demonstrates that while obese people can lose a large proportion of their body weight while using the jabs, the weight is regained at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"People using these drugs must be aware of the danger of rapid weight regain when the medication concludes," stated expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain suggests a reversion to pre-treatment mass within about one and a half years.
Comparing Approaches
The analysis, which looked at 37 of studies involving thousands of participants, compared the results of these new drugs with older methods.
The team note that people who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone usually see a slower weight regain—perhaps 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
Understanding the Quick Regain
Doctors believe the mode of action of the injections is key to understanding the heightened weight return.
GLP-1 drugs copy a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which moderates feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of the hormone levels several times higher than the body's typical production could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and could reduce responsiveness to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement leads to hunger is unsuppressed, making overeating far more likely."
An Ongoing Issue?
Medical guidelines advise the jabs for people with obesity-related health risks, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians argue that, due to the significant potential of relapse, the therapy might need to be life-long.
This opinion is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the findings "emphasize the chronic character of obesity," akin to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
Patient Experiences
Users who have stopped the jabs describe a powerful return of appetite.
"I experienced a trigger activating and I was suddenly starving," recalled a patient.
This challenge is compounded if patients have not established lasting lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Widespread Use
Recent estimates suggest that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with desire remaining high.
- Use is greater among females than males.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Ultimately, experts caution that while GLP-1 drugs are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone cure and maintained weight loss relies on ongoing behavioural management.
