Fresh analysis reveals that individuals who discontinue popular GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who end traditional diet and exercise programs.
Published data in a major medical journal shows that while overweight individuals often shed about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the weight returns at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"People buying such treatments must be aware of the danger of quick weight regain when the medication is stopped," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery means a reversion to original mass in about 18 months.
Weighing Approaches
The research, which reviewed dozens of trials involving thousands of patients, compared the outcomes of these new drugs with older methods.
Scientists emphasize that people who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone usually have a slower weight regain—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Quick Rebound
Nutrition scientists suggest the mechanism of the injections explains the amplified regain.
The injections imitate a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls appetite.
"Long-term administration of the hormone levels far above than normal could lead to the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and could reduce sensitivity to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' results in appetite is uncontrolled, making excessive eating much more probable."
A Chronic Condition?
Medical guidelines recommend the jabs for people with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts say that, given the likelihood of relapse, the treatment might need to be ongoing.
This perspective is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the results "underscore the chronic character of obesity," similar to managing diseases like diabetes.
User Experiences
People who have stopped the medication describe a sudden return of cravings.
"It felt as if a trigger activating and you're instantly starving," recalled one woman.
This challenge is compounded if individuals have not adopted permanent dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Growing Adoption
Survey data suggest that millions of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with desire continuing to grow.
- Adoption is more common among women compared to males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest usage rates.
- Many obtain the drugs through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Ultimately, experts caution that while the jabs are effective tools for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone solution and maintained weight loss hinges on combined behavioural management.
