A recent study indicates that people who stop using popular GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt conventional diet and exercise programs.
Research printed in a major health publication demonstrates that while obese people can lose a large proportion of their body weight while on the medication, the weight returns at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"Individuals purchasing these treatments should be informed of the danger of fast rebound weight gain when the therapy is stopped," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain means a return to pre-treatment mass within about one and a half years.
Weighing Treatments
The study, which examined 37 of studies involving thousands of patients, compared the effects of the injectable medications with older methods.
The team note that individuals who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone usually experience a less rapid creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Rapid Regain
Nutrition scientists propose the mechanism of the injections is key to understanding the heightened weight return.
The injections copy a natural hormone called GLP-1, which moderates feelings of fullness.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone concentrations several times higher than normal may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and could reduce sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement results in appetite is uncontrolled, making binge eating far more likely."
A Chronic Condition?
The NHS advise the injections for individuals with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts argue that, given the high risk of weight regain, the therapy should be considered long-term.
This opinion is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the results "highlight the persistent character of excess weight," comparing it to managing diseases like diabetes.
Patient Accounts
Users who have stopped the jabs explain a powerful resurgence of cravings.
"It was like a switch flipping and you're instantly extremely hungry," said a patient.
This challenge is exacerbated if individuals have not adopted permanent dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Significant Use
Figures suggest that millions of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with interest being substantial.
- Adoption is more common among women than men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- Many access the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, experts caution that while the jabs are effective tools for weight loss, they are not a standalone solution and maintained weight loss likely depends on combined behavioural changes.
