A recent study suggests that individuals who stop using popular weight-loss injections like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on shed pounds much more quickly than those who end traditional diet and exercise programs.
Published data in a leading medical journal shows that while obese people frequently drop a large proportion of their body weight while using the jabs, the mass is regained at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"Users using these treatments must be aware of the risk of fast weight regain when the therapy is stopped," stated researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain means a reversion to pre-treatment weight within about a year and a half.
Weighing Therapies
The study, which looked at dozens of studies involving thousands of patients, compared the results of these new drugs with older methods.
The team point out that people who lose weight through dieting usually see a slower weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Fast Rebound
Doctors believe the mechanism of the injections is key to understanding the heightened weight return.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 levels far above than normal could lead to the system to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and could diminish sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Withdrawal of this medication leads to hunger is unsuppressed, making overeating far more likely."
An Ongoing Issue?
The NHS advise the jabs for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts say that, given the likelihood of relapse, the treatment should be considered life-long.
This opinion is supported by drug manufacturers, who state that the findings "underscore the persistent character of obesity," akin to managing conditions like hypertension.
User Testimonies
People who have discontinued the medication describe a intense return of cravings.
"It was like a trigger flipping and I was suddenly extremely hungry," recalled a patient.
The struggle is worsened if users have not established sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Significant Interest
Figures show that a significant number of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with desire being substantial.
- Use is more common among women compared to men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Finally, experts caution that while the jabs are potent agents for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone fix and maintained weight loss likely depends on combined lifestyle support.
