New research indicates that individuals who stop using popular GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on shed pounds much more quickly than those who stop conventional lifestyle regimens.
Research printed in a major medical journal demonstrates that while overweight people frequently drop a large proportion of their total mass while using the jabs, the mass comes back at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"Individuals using such medications must be informed of the risk of quick weight regain when the treatment concludes," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain suggests a return to pre-treatment mass within about one and a half years.
Weighing Treatments
The research, which looked at 37 of trials involving thousands of patients, contrasted the effects of these new drugs with older methods.
The team note that people who shed pounds through dieting usually see a slower creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Quick Rebound
Doctors propose the way of the jabs accounts for the amplified rebound.
GLP-1 drugs copy a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing the hormone levels several times higher than normal could lead to the body to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and may also lessen responsiveness to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement results in appetite is unsuppressed, making excessive eating far more likely."
A Lifelong Issue?
The NHS recommend the injections for individuals with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians say that, considering the likelihood of weight regain, the treatment should be considered long-term.
This opinion is echoed by drug manufacturers, who state that the results "emphasize the chronic nature of excess weight," similar to managing diseases like hypertension.
User Experiences
Individuals who have discontinued the jabs explain a powerful resurgence of cravings.
"It was like a trigger that goes on and I was suddenly ravenous," recalled one woman.
This challenge is worsened if individuals have not adopted lasting dietary or behavioural modifications during treatment.
Significant Interest
Figures suggest that a significant number of adults in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with demand remaining high.
- Adoption is higher among women compared to males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, experts caution that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful agents for shedding pounds, they are not a magic cure and lasting health benefits relies on integrated lifestyle changes.
