New research indicates that people who discontinue popular weight-loss injections like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on reduced body mass much more quickly than those who end traditional diet and exercise programs.
Published data in a leading medical journal points out that while overweight individuals often shed about a fifth of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the weight comes back at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Users using these treatments need to be cognizant of the danger of quick weight regain when the treatment ends," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery implies a reversion to starting mass within about 18 months.
Comparing Approaches
The research, which reviewed dozens of trials involving thousands of patients, contrasted the effects of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
The team emphasize that individuals who shed pounds through diet and exercise generally have a less rapid weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Explaining the Fast Regain
Doctors believe the mechanism of the drugs is key to understanding the heightened weight return.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which moderates hunger.
"Long-term administration of the hormone concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and could diminish responsiveness to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' results in appetite is unsuppressed, making overeating much more probable."
An Ongoing Disease?
The NHS advise the injections for people with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals argue that, due to the likelihood of weight regain, the treatment should be considered long-term.
This view is echoed by drug manufacturers, who note that the results "emphasize the chronic nature of obesity," comparing it to managing diseases like hypertension.
Patient Accounts
Individuals who have come off the jabs explain a intense return of hunger.
"It was like a switch that goes on and I was suddenly extremely hungry," recalled a patient.
The struggle is compounded if patients have not developed sustainable dietary or behavioural modifications during treatment.
Growing Use
Recent estimates show that millions of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with interest being substantial.
- Adoption is more common among females compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, researchers caution that while these medications are potent agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent cure and lasting health benefits relies on ongoing lifestyle management.
