New research indicates that individuals who discontinue new GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop traditional diet and exercise plans.
Published data in a prominent medical journal shows that while overweight people often shed about a fifth of their total mass while on the medication, the weight returns at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Individuals using such medications must be informed of the danger of quick weight regain when the treatment concludes," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain suggests a reversion to original weight in about 18 months.
Analyzing Treatments
The study, which looked at 37 of studies involving thousands of patients, compared the effects of the injectable medications with older methods.
The team note that individuals who shed pounds through diet and exercise usually experience a slower creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Rapid Regain
Experts suggest the way of the jabs accounts for the accelerated regain.
GLP-1 drugs copy a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates hunger.
"Long-term administration of the hormone concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production could lead to the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and could lessen responsiveness to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Withdrawal of this medication leads to hunger is no longer kept in check, making binge eating far more likely."
A Chronic Issue?
Medical guidelines recommend the injections for people with weight-linked health risks, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts argue that, due to the likelihood of weight regain, the therapy should be considered ongoing.
This perspective is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the results "highlight the long-term nature of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
User Experiences
Users who have stopped the medication report a sudden resurgence of hunger.
"It was like a switch flipping and you're instantly starving," recalled a patient.
The struggle is exacerbated if individuals have not established lasting dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Widespread Adoption
Recent estimates suggest that a significant number of adults in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with demand remaining high.
- Adoption is more common among women compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- Many access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Finally, experts stress that while the jabs are potent tools for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent fix and long-term success likely depends on integrated behavioural changes.
