New research reveals that individuals who discontinue popular weight-loss injections like semaglutide or tirzepatide tend to recover shed pounds far faster than those who stop conventional lifestyle regimens.
Research printed in a leading health publication shows that while obese people frequently drop about a fifth of their body weight while using the jabs, the mass returns at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"People buying such medications need to be informed of the risk of fast weight regain when the therapy concludes," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery suggests a reversion to starting mass in about a year and a half.
Weighing Therapies
The analysis, which reviewed 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
Scientists point out that individuals who lose weight through dieting generally see a slower weight regain—around 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
Understanding the Fast Rebound
Experts propose the mode of action of the injections is key to understanding the accelerated regain.
GLP-1 drugs copy a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls hunger.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production may cause the system to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and could diminish responsiveness to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement means appetite is no longer kept in check, making overeating a significant risk."
An Ongoing Disease?
The NHS suggest the injections for people with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts contend that, considering the significant potential of relapse, the treatment might need to be life-long.
This perspective is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who say that the results "highlight the persistent nature of excess weight," similar to managing diseases like diabetes.
User Accounts
Individuals who have stopped the jabs explain a sudden return of cravings.
"It was like something activating and you're instantly extremely hungry," described a patient.
This difficulty is exacerbated if patients have not adopted permanent dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Growing Use
Figures suggest that millions of adults in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with desire being substantial.
- Use is greater among women compared to males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Finally, clinicians stress that while these medications are effective tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent solution and lasting health benefits likely depends on combined lifestyle changes.
