A recent study suggests that people who come off popular GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain reduced body mass far faster than those who halt traditional diet and exercise programs.
Published data in a leading medical journal points out that while overweight individuals can lose substantial amounts of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the mass returns at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"People buying these drugs should be informed of the danger of fast rebound weight gain when the therapy concludes," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain implies a return to starting weight within about 18 months.
Comparing Approaches
The analysis, which reviewed 37 of trials involving thousands of participants, contrasted the results of these new drugs with other pills.
Researchers point out that individuals who lose weight through dieting generally see a more gradual weight regain—perhaps 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
Understanding the Rapid Rebound
Nutrition scientists believe the way of the injections accounts for the heightened rebound.
These medications mimic a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates appetite.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than normal might result in the body to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and may also diminish sensitivity to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Discontinuation of this medication results in hunger is uncontrolled, making overeating much more probable."
An Ongoing Issue?
Medical guidelines suggest the injections for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
Professionals argue that, due to the significant potential of weight regain, the therapy is often long-term.
This view is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "highlight the long-term nature of obesity," akin to managing diseases like diabetes.
User Accounts
People who have discontinued the medication describe a sudden return of cravings.
"It was like a trigger that goes on and you become ravenous," recalled an individual.
This challenge is worsened if users have not established permanent lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Growing Interest
Survey data indicate that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with desire continuing to grow.
- Adoption is greater among women than men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many access the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
In conclusion, clinicians caution that while the jabs are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent cure and maintained weight loss likely depends on ongoing behavioural changes.
