Fresh analysis indicates that patients who stop using blockbuster GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on lost weight much more quickly than those who halt traditional lifestyle programs.
Research printed in a leading medical journal points out that while obese people often shed about a fifth of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the mass comes back at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"Individuals using these treatments need to be aware of the risk of quick weight regain when the therapy ends," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery suggests a return to pre-treatment weight within about 18 months.
Weighing Therapies
The study, which looked at dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the effects of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
Researchers emphasize that people who shed pounds through dieting typically see a less rapid creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Rapid Regain
Nutrition scientists propose the mechanism of the jabs is key to understanding the accelerated weight return.
The injections mimic a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Artificially providing the hormone levels several times higher than normal may cause the body to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and could reduce sensitivity to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Withdrawal of this medication leads to hunger is uncontrolled, making overeating a significant risk."
A Chronic Issue?
The NHS suggest the injections for individuals with weight-linked health risks, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts contend that, due to the significant potential of relapse, the treatment is often long-term.
This perspective is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the results "emphasize the long-term character of excess weight," comparing it to managing conditions like diabetes.
User Accounts
Users who have stopped the jabs describe a intense return of hunger.
"I experienced something activating and you become starving," recalled a patient.
This difficulty is worsened if individuals have not adopted permanent lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Growing Use
Survey data show that millions of people in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with demand remaining high.
- Adoption is more common among women compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, clinicians caution that while these medications are effective tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent solution and lasting health benefits relies on combined lifestyle changes.
