Fresh analysis reveals that individuals who stop using new GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide or tirzepatide tend to recover shed pounds far faster than those who stop conventional diet and exercise programs.
Published data in a prominent health publication demonstrates that while obese individuals can lose substantial amounts of their body weight while using the jabs, the mass returns at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"People buying such medications need to be informed of the potential of rapid weight regain when the therapy concludes," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery implies a return to original weight within about a year and a half.
Weighing Treatments
The analysis, which examined dozens of studies involving thousands of participants, contrasted the results of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
The team point out that people who lose weight through diet and exercise usually have a slower weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Explaining the Fast Regain
Doctors propose the mode of action of the drugs explains the accelerated regain.
The injections copy a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate hunger.
"Artificially providing the hormone concentrations far above than normal could lead to the system to produce less of its endogenous GLP-1, and could diminish responsiveness to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Discontinuation of this medication leads to appetite is unsuppressed, making excessive eating far more likely."
A Lifelong Issue?
The NHS recommend the jabs for individuals with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts say that, due to the high risk of relapse, the therapy is often ongoing.
This view is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the results "emphasize the persistent nature of excess weight," similar to managing diseases like diabetes.
Patient Accounts
Individuals who have stopped the medication report a sudden return of cravings.
"It was like a switch that goes on and you're instantly starving," recalled a patient.
The struggle is compounded if patients have not developed sustainable dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Significant Use
Figures indicate that a significant number of adults in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with desire being substantial.
- Use is higher among women than men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, experts stress that while these medications are effective tools for shedding pounds, they are not a magic cure and lasting health benefits hinges on ongoing behavioural changes.
