New research reveals that people who stop using popular GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide or tirzepatide tend to recover shed pounds far faster than those who halt traditional diet and exercise regimens.
Research printed in a leading medical journal points out that while obese people often shed about a fifth of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the mass returns at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"Users buying such drugs need to be cognizant of the danger of rapid rebound weight gain when the medication ends," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain implies a reversion to starting mass within about one and a half years.
Comparing Treatments
The analysis, which looked at dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the effects of the injectable medications with older methods.
The team emphasize that individuals who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone generally see a more gradual creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Understanding the Fast Rebound
Nutrition scientists suggest the way of the jabs is key to understanding the heightened regain.
These medications imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which moderates feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 levels far above than the body's typical production may cause the system to produce less of its own natural hormone, and could diminish sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement leads to hunger is uncontrolled, making binge eating far more likely."
A Chronic Condition?
The NHS advise the injections for people with obesity-related health risks, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
Professionals contend that, due to the likelihood of weight regain, the therapy is often long-term.
This view is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the results "emphasize the chronic character of excess weight," akin to managing conditions like hypertension.
Patient Experiences
Individuals who have stopped the medication report a intense resurgence of appetite.
"I experienced a switch that goes on and you become starving," described a patient.
This challenge is exacerbated if users have not established permanent lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Growing Adoption
Recent estimates indicate that a significant number of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with interest being substantial.
- Adoption is greater among women than males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Finally, clinicians stress that while the jabs are potent tools for shedding pounds, they are not a magic fix and maintained weight loss likely depends on ongoing lifestyle support.
