A recent study indicates that patients who come off popular weight-loss injections like semaglutide or tirzepatide tend to recover shed pounds far faster than those who stop traditional lifestyle programs.
Published data in a leading medical journal points out that while overweight people can lose substantial amounts of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the weight is regained at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"Users purchasing these treatments need to be informed of the risk of rapid weight regain when the medication is stopped," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain suggests a reversion to starting mass in about one and a half years.
Analyzing Approaches
The analysis, which reviewed 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the results of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
The team emphasize that people who shed pounds through dieting generally experience a less rapid creep back—approximately 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
Explaining the Rapid Regain
Nutrition scientists suggest the mechanism of the drugs accounts for the heightened rebound.
These medications mimic a natural hormone called GLP-1, which controls hunger.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 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 may also diminish sensitivity to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' means appetite is unsuppressed, making excessive eating a significant risk."
A Chronic Disease?
Medical guidelines advise the jabs for individuals with obesity-related health risks, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals argue that, considering the high risk of relapse, the treatment might need to be long-term.
This view is echoed by drug manufacturers, who note that the results "highlight the long-term nature of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
Patient Testimonies
Users who have discontinued the jabs describe a intense resurgence of appetite.
"I experienced a trigger flipping and you're instantly ravenous," described an individual.
The struggle is compounded if users have not adopted lasting dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Widespread Use
Recent estimates indicate that a significant number of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with interest being substantial.
- Adoption is more common among females compared to males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Ultimately, researchers emphasize that while GLP-1 drugs are effective tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent cure and long-term success likely depends on ongoing behavioural changes.
