Fresh analysis suggests that patients who come off new GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide or tirzepatide tend to recover lost weight much more quickly than those who stop conventional diet and exercise programs.
Findings released in a major medical journal points out that while obese individuals frequently drop about a fifth of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the mass comes back at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"People buying such treatments should be aware of the danger of rapid rebound weight gain when the treatment ends," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery means a reversion to pre-treatment mass in about a year and a half.
Weighing Treatments
The analysis, which reviewed dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
Scientists point out that people who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone usually see a more gradual creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Explaining the Rapid Rebound
Doctors suggest the mechanism of the drugs is key to understanding the heightened rebound.
The injections copy a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates feelings of fullness.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone levels several times higher than normal could lead to the system to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and could lessen responsiveness to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Discontinuation of this hormone supplement results in hunger is unsuppressed, making excessive eating far more likely."
A Chronic Condition?
The NHS advise the injections for individuals with obesity-related health risks, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals argue that, considering the high risk of weight regain, the treatment is often ongoing.
This view is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who state that the findings "emphasize the persistent character of obesity," similar to managing diseases like diabetes.
Patient Accounts
Individuals who have discontinued the jabs report a intense resurgence of cravings.
"It was like something activating and you become ravenous," said one woman.
The struggle is worsened if individuals have not established permanent dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Significant Interest
Figures suggest that a significant number of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with interest continuing to grow.
- Use is higher among women than men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, clinicians stress that while these medications are powerful tools for weight loss, they are not a magic solution and maintained weight loss likely depends on combined behavioural changes.
