Fresh analysis indicates that patients who come off new GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who end traditional diet and exercise programs.
Published data in a prominent health publication points out that while overweight people can lose substantial amounts of their body weight while using the jabs, the mass returns at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"Individuals buying such drugs need to be informed of the danger of fast rebound weight gain when the therapy concludes," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery suggests a return to pre-treatment mass in about one and a half years.
Comparing Treatments
The study, which examined 37 of studies involving thousands of patients, compared the results of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
Researchers point out that people who shed pounds through diet and exercise generally experience a slower weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Fast Regain
Experts propose the way of the injections is key to understanding the accelerated regain.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone concentrations far above than the body's typical production could lead to the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and could lessen sensitivity to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' results in appetite is uncontrolled, making binge eating far more likely."
An Ongoing Issue?
Medical guidelines suggest the injections for individuals with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals contend that, considering the high risk of relapse, the therapy is often ongoing.
This view is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the findings "underscore the long-term character of excess weight," comparing it to managing diseases like diabetes.
User Accounts
People who have stopped the jabs report a sudden resurgence of appetite.
"I experienced something flipping and I was suddenly ravenous," recalled an individual.
The struggle is worsened if patients have not adopted permanent lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Widespread Use
Recent estimates indicate that millions of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with interest remaining high.
- Use is more common among females than males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Ultimately, researchers caution that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent fix and long-term success likely depends on ongoing behavioural management.
