New research reveals that people who discontinue blockbuster GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on lost weight far faster than those who stop conventional lifestyle programs.
Findings released in a prominent medical journal shows that while obese people often shed a large proportion of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the weight returns at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Users purchasing these medications need to be informed of the potential of quick weight regain when the therapy is stopped," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain implies a reversion to original weight within about one and a half years.
Analyzing Approaches
The analysis, which looked at dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the effects of the injectable medications with older methods.
The team emphasize that people who shed pounds through dieting generally have a slower weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Rapid Regain
Doctors propose the way of the jabs explains the amplified regain.
The injections imitate a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates appetite.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 levels several times higher than the body's typical production could lead to the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and could diminish sensitivity to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Stopping of this medication means appetite is unsuppressed, making excessive eating a significant risk."
A Lifelong Issue?
Health authorities suggest the injections for individuals with weight-linked health risks, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians argue that, given the high risk of relapse, the therapy might need to be long-term.
This perspective is echoed by drug manufacturers, who note that the results "underscore the persistent nature of obesity," comparing it to managing diseases like hypertension.
User Accounts
People who have discontinued the jabs report a powerful resurgence of cravings.
"I experienced a trigger activating and I was suddenly ravenous," recalled an individual.
This challenge is compounded if patients have not adopted lasting dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Growing Use
Recent estimates show that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with desire remaining high.
- Adoption is higher among women compared to males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Ultimately, experts emphasize that while the jabs are powerful tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent fix and maintained weight loss likely depends on ongoing behavioural changes.
