Fresh analysis indicates that people who stop using new GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide or tirzepatide tend to recover shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt traditional diet and exercise regimens.
Published data in a major medical journal points out that while obese people can lose about a fifth of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the weight is regained at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"Users buying such treatments must be aware of the potential of rapid weight regain when the therapy ends," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain suggests a return to pre-treatment weight within about 18 months.
Comparing Approaches
The study, which examined 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the effects of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
The team note that people who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone typically have a more gradual creep back—around 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.
Explaining the Fast Rebound
Doctors propose the mechanism of the jabs accounts for the heightened regain.
The injections imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate hunger.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 levels several times higher than the body's typical production may cause the system to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and could lessen sensitivity to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement leads to hunger is unsuppressed, making overeating a significant risk."
An Ongoing Disease?
The NHS recommend the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts contend that, given the significant potential of relapse, the therapy is often long-term.
This perspective is supported by drug manufacturers, who say that the findings "underscore the long-term nature of excess weight," similar to managing diseases like diabetes.
Patient Experiences
Individuals who have come off the medication describe a powerful return of appetite.
"I experienced something flipping and I was suddenly extremely hungry," said an individual.
The struggle is worsened if individuals have not adopted lasting lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Growing Adoption
Survey data indicate that millions of people in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with desire remaining high.
- Use is higher among females compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, researchers emphasize that while these medications are effective tools for weight loss, they are not a standalone fix and long-term success likely depends on integrated behavioural management.
