A recent study indicates that people who discontinue blockbuster GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt conventional lifestyle plans.
Published data in a prominent health publication shows that while overweight people often shed a large proportion of their body weight while using the jabs, the mass returns at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"Users buying these medications need to be informed of the potential of rapid rebound weight gain when the therapy ends," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain means a return to pre-treatment weight within about 18 months.
Weighing Treatments
The study, which reviewed dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the outcomes of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
Scientists note that individuals who shed pounds through dieting generally have a slower creep back—approximately 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
Explaining the Rapid Rebound
Doctors believe the mode of action of the drugs explains the heightened rebound.
The injections mimic a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates feelings of fullness.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone concentrations several times higher than normal may cause the body to produce less of its endogenous GLP-1, and could lessen sensitivity to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Stopping of this medication results in hunger is no longer kept in check, making binge eating much more probable."
A Chronic Issue?
The NHS suggest the injections for people with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts contend that, given the significant potential of relapse, the treatment might need to be long-term.
This opinion is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who note that the findings "highlight the long-term nature of obesity," akin to managing diseases like diabetes.
User Accounts
People who have discontinued the medication explain a sudden return of hunger.
"I experienced a switch flipping and you're instantly ravenous," said one woman.
This difficulty is compounded if individuals have not developed lasting dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Growing Use
Figures indicate that a significant number of people in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with interest continuing to grow.
- Use is higher among females compared to men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest level of interest.
- Many obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, clinicians caution that while GLP-1 drugs are effective agents for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent fix and lasting health benefits likely depends on ongoing lifestyle changes.
