Fresh analysis reveals that patients who discontinue popular GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on reduced body mass far faster than those who halt conventional diet and exercise regimens.
Published data in a leading medical journal points out that while overweight people can lose a large proportion of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the mass is regained at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"Users buying such drugs must be aware of the risk of rapid rebound weight gain when the medication ends," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain means a reversion to pre-treatment mass in about a year and a half.
Weighing Therapies
The study, which reviewed 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the results of the injectable medications with other pills.
The team emphasize that people who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone usually have a slower creep back—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Quick Rebound
Experts propose the mechanism of the injections is key to understanding the heightened weight return.
The injections copy a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 concentrations far above than the body's typical production may cause the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and may also lessen sensitivity to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Withdrawal of this medication results in hunger is uncontrolled, making excessive eating far more likely."
An Ongoing Disease?
The NHS recommend the injections for individuals with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals argue that, given the high risk of weight regain, the therapy might need to be long-term.
This opinion is supported by drug manufacturers, who state that the findings "underscore the long-term character of excess weight," comparing it to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Accounts
Individuals who have come off the jabs report a intense resurgence of appetite.
"It was like something that goes on and you're instantly starving," recalled a patient.
This difficulty is worsened if users have not established sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Widespread Interest
Figures show that millions of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with desire continuing to grow.
- Use is more common among women compared to men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Finally, experts caution that while the jabs are powerful tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent fix and maintained weight loss likely depends on integrated behavioural support.
