New research reveals that people who stop using popular weight-loss injections like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain shed pounds much more quickly than those who halt conventional lifestyle regimens.
Research printed in a leading medical journal shows that while overweight people often shed a large proportion of their body weight while on the medication, the weight comes back at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"Users buying these treatments must be cognizant of the danger of fast weight regain when the treatment concludes," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery means a return to starting weight within about one and a half years.
Analyzing Approaches
The analysis, which examined dozens of studies involving thousands of patients, contrasted the outcomes of the injectable medications with other pills.
Scientists point out that individuals who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone generally have a less rapid creep back—perhaps 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
Understanding the Quick Rebound
Experts believe the mode of action of the injections accounts for the heightened weight return.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone called GLP-1, which controls hunger.
"Long-term administration of the hormone concentrations several times higher than normal may cause the system to produce less of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also diminish responsiveness to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Discontinuation of this GLP-1 'fix' results in appetite is unsuppressed, making excessive eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Condition?
Health authorities advise the injections for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts contend that, due to the likelihood of relapse, the therapy should be considered life-long.
This perspective is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the results "underscore the chronic nature of obesity," akin to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
Patient Testimonies
Individuals who have discontinued the jabs describe a sudden return of hunger.
"I experienced a switch flipping and I was suddenly extremely hungry," recalled one woman.
The struggle is compounded if patients have not established lasting lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Growing Interest
Recent estimates suggest that a significant number of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with interest continuing to grow.
- Adoption is more common among women than men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest level of interest.
- Many access the medications through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
In conclusion, researchers emphasize that while the jabs are effective agents for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent fix and maintained weight loss likely depends on combined behavioural changes.
