A recent study indicates that patients who stop using blockbuster GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain reduced body mass far faster than those who end conventional lifestyle plans.
Published data in a prominent health publication shows that while overweight individuals frequently drop a large proportion of their body weight while on the medication, the weight is regained at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Users purchasing these treatments should be cognizant of the risk of quick rebound weight gain when the treatment concludes," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain implies a reversion to pre-treatment mass in about a year and a half.
Analyzing Therapies
The study, which looked at 37 of studies involving thousands of participants, compared the effects of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
Researchers point out that people who shed pounds through dieting generally have a more gradual weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Explaining the Fast Regain
Nutrition scientists believe the way of the drugs is key to understanding the accelerated rebound.
The injections copy a natural hormone called GLP-1, which moderates hunger.
"Long-term administration of the hormone levels far above than normal might result in the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and may also diminish sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Discontinuation of this hormone supplement leads to hunger is no longer kept in check, making excessive eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Condition?
Health authorities suggest the injections for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals contend that, considering the likelihood of weight regain, the treatment should be considered long-term.
This perspective is echoed by drug manufacturers, who note that the results "emphasize the chronic character of obesity," comparing it to managing conditions like diabetes.
User Experiences
Users who have come off the medication describe a powerful return of hunger.
"I experienced something that goes on and I was suddenly ravenous," described an individual.
The struggle is compounded if patients have not adopted sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Widespread Use
Survey data indicate that a significant number of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with interest continuing to grow.
- Use is higher 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.
Finally, researchers stress that while GLP-1 drugs are effective tools for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent cure and long-term success hinges on combined lifestyle changes.
