New research reveals that people who come off new weight-loss injections like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on reduced body mass much more quickly than those who stop traditional diet and exercise regimens.
Findings released in a prominent health publication shows that while overweight people frequently drop substantial amounts of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the mass returns at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"Individuals buying these treatments should be aware of the risk of rapid weight regain when the treatment is stopped," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery means a return to pre-treatment weight within about 18 months.
Weighing Approaches
The research, which looked at 37 of studies involving thousands of patients, compared the outcomes of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
The team emphasize that individuals who lose weight through diet and exercise usually have a slower creep back—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Understanding the Rapid Rebound
Doctors propose the mechanism of the injections accounts for the heightened weight return.
The injections mimic a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates appetite.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production might result in the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and may also lessen sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Withdrawal of this medication means appetite is no longer kept in check, making binge eating far more likely."
A Lifelong Condition?
The NHS suggest the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals argue that, given the significant potential of weight regain, the treatment should be considered life-long.
This opinion is supported by drug manufacturers, who say that the results "highlight the chronic character of obesity," similar to managing conditions like diabetes.
Patient Accounts
Individuals who have discontinued the jabs describe a sudden return of hunger.
"It was like something activating and you become extremely hungry," said one woman.
This challenge is worsened if users have not established lasting dietary or behavioural modifications during treatment.
Significant Use
Recent estimates indicate that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with interest being substantial.
- Adoption is greater among females compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
In conclusion, researchers emphasize that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful tools for weight loss, they are not a standalone fix and long-term success likely depends on ongoing lifestyle changes.
