New research indicates that patients who stop using new GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt traditional diet and exercise plans.
Findings released in a major medical journal shows that while overweight people can lose a large proportion of their total mass while using the jabs, the mass returns at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Users buying these medications should be cognizant of the potential of quick rebound weight gain when the treatment is stopped," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain means a reversion to starting weight within about a year and a half.
Weighing Therapies
The analysis, which looked at dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the effects of the injectable medications with other pills.
The team note that individuals who shed pounds through diet and exercise typically experience a more gradual creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Quick Regain
Doctors propose the mechanism of the jabs accounts for the accelerated weight return.
GLP-1 drugs copy a natural hormone called GLP-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of the hormone levels several times higher than normal could lead to the system to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and could lessen sensitivity to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to hunger is uncontrolled, making overeating far more likely."
An Ongoing Disease?
Medical guidelines suggest the injections for people with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by recommended lifestyle changes.
Professionals argue that, considering the likelihood of relapse, the therapy might need to be life-long.
This perspective is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who state that the results "highlight the persistent nature of excess weight," akin to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Experiences
People who have stopped the jabs report a intense resurgence of cravings.
"It was like a switch activating and you become ravenous," recalled a patient.
This challenge is compounded if individuals have not established sustainable lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Significant Interest
Recent estimates indicate that a significant number of adults in the UK have tried these injections in the past year, with desire being substantial.
- Adoption is greater among females than men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, experts emphasize that while the jabs are potent tools for weight loss, they are not a magic solution and lasting health benefits likely depends on ongoing lifestyle changes.
