A recent study suggests that individuals who discontinue new GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide or tirzepatide tend to recover lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop traditional lifestyle plans.
Findings released in a major medical journal shows that while obese people frequently drop about a fifth of their total mass while on the medication, the weight comes back at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Users buying these drugs need to be aware of the potential of quick weight regain when the medication is stopped," stated expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain suggests a return to original weight within about one and a half years.
Analyzing Therapies
The study, which examined 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the effects of these new drugs with older methods.
Scientists note that individuals who lose weight through dieting generally experience a slower creep back—perhaps 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
The Reason for the Rapid Regain
Experts propose the mode of action of the jabs accounts for the accelerated weight return.
These medications mimic a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates hunger.
"Artificially providing the hormone levels several times higher than normal could lead to the system to produce less of its own natural hormone, and could diminish responsiveness to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Discontinuation of this medication results in hunger is unsuppressed, making excessive eating much more probable."
A Chronic Disease?
Health authorities recommend the injections for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
Many experts argue that, considering the significant potential of relapse, the therapy is often long-term.
This perspective is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the findings "underscore the chronic character of obesity," comparing it to managing conditions like hypertension.
User Experiences
People who have stopped the medication report a intense resurgence of hunger.
"I experienced a switch that goes on and you become extremely hungry," described an individual.
This challenge is compounded if individuals have not developed sustainable dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Widespread Use
Recent estimates suggest that millions of adults in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with demand continuing to grow.
- Adoption is greater among females compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Finally, clinicians caution that while these medications are powerful agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent solution and maintained weight loss relies on integrated lifestyle changes.
