New research suggests that people who discontinue blockbuster GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain reduced body mass much more quickly than those who halt traditional diet and exercise programs.
Research printed in a prominent medical journal points out that while obese individuals often shed substantial amounts of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the weight is regained at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"People using these treatments need to be aware of the danger of fast weight regain when the medication concludes," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain means a reversion to pre-treatment weight within about 18 months.
Comparing Therapies
The study, which examined 37 of trials involving thousands of participants, contrasted the effects of the injectable medications with other pills.
The team point out that individuals who shed pounds through dieting usually have a more gradual creep back—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Understanding the Quick Regain
Doctors believe the mode of action of the injections explains the accelerated regain.
These medications copy a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls appetite.
"Long-term administration of the hormone levels far above than normal could lead to the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also reduce responsiveness to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' results in hunger is unsuppressed, making excessive eating far more likely."
A Chronic Disease?
The NHS recommend the jabs for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians argue that, considering the significant potential of relapse, the therapy might need to be ongoing.
This perspective is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the results "emphasize the chronic character of obesity," comparing it to managing conditions like hypertension.
Patient Accounts
Users who have discontinued the medication explain a sudden resurgence of hunger.
"It felt as if a trigger flipping and you become ravenous," described one woman.
This challenge is compounded if users have not adopted sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Growing Use
Recent estimates show that a significant number of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with demand being substantial.
- Adoption is more common among women than men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- Many obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Finally, experts caution that while the jabs are effective tools for weight loss, they are not a magic fix and maintained weight loss hinges on ongoing behavioural support.
