New research suggests that patients who stop using popular weight-loss injections like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who end traditional lifestyle regimens.
Findings released in a major medical journal points out that while obese people often shed about a fifth of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the weight returns at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"People purchasing such drugs need to be informed of the potential of rapid weight regain when the therapy is stopped," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain means a return to pre-treatment weight in about a year and a half.
Comparing Approaches
The research, which looked at 37 of studies involving thousands of patients, contrasted the results of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
The team point out that people who lose weight through dieting usually have a less rapid creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Explaining the Rapid Rebound
Nutrition scientists propose the way of the injections accounts for the accelerated rebound.
The injections imitate a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 levels several times higher than normal may cause the body to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and may also reduce sensitivity to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Discontinuation of this GLP-1 'fix' means appetite is uncontrolled, making excessive eating a significant risk."
A Chronic Condition?
Health authorities suggest the jabs for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts say that, due to the significant potential of weight regain, the therapy might need to be life-long.
This perspective is echoed by drug manufacturers, who note that the findings "emphasize the chronic character of obesity," comparing it to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
User Accounts
Users who have come off the jabs describe a sudden return of appetite.
"It was like something activating and you're instantly starving," described an individual.
This challenge is compounded if individuals have not established permanent lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Significant Use
Figures indicate that millions of people in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with desire continuing to grow.
- Adoption is higher among women compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, clinicians caution that while these medications are effective tools for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone fix and maintained weight loss likely depends on ongoing behavioural management.
