New research reveals that patients who come off popular weight-loss injections like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on reduced body mass much more quickly than those who end conventional diet and exercise programs.
Findings released in a major health publication shows that while overweight individuals can lose a large proportion of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the mass is regained at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"Individuals buying such drugs need to be informed of the risk of rapid rebound weight gain when the therapy concludes," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain suggests a return to pre-treatment mass in about 18 months.
Comparing Approaches
The research, which looked at dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the effects of the injectable medications with older methods.
Scientists emphasize that individuals who shed pounds through diet and exercise usually see a slower creep back—approximately 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
Understanding the Fast Regain
Experts propose the way of the drugs accounts for the accelerated regain.
GLP-1 drugs copy a natural hormone called GLP-1, which controls hunger.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 levels several times higher than normal may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and could diminish responsiveness to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Stopping of this medication leads to appetite is uncontrolled, making excessive eating much more probable."
A Chronic Condition?
Medical guidelines advise the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals contend that, due to the likelihood of relapse, the treatment might need to be life-long.
This view is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who state that the results "emphasize the long-term character of obesity," similar to managing conditions like diabetes.
Patient Accounts
Users who have stopped the jabs explain a sudden resurgence of cravings.
"I experienced a trigger that goes on and I was suddenly extremely hungry," recalled one woman.
The struggle is exacerbated if individuals have not established lasting lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Growing Adoption
Figures indicate that a significant number of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with desire continuing to grow.
- Use is higher among females compared to males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- Many obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
In conclusion, researchers stress that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone fix and long-term success likely depends on ongoing lifestyle management.
