A recent study reveals that individuals who stop using popular weight-loss injections like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop traditional lifestyle plans.
Research printed in a major medical journal shows that while obese people frequently drop substantial amounts of their body weight while using the jabs, the weight comes back at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"People buying these drugs need to be aware of the danger of fast rebound weight gain when the treatment ends," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery suggests a return to pre-treatment mass within about one and a half years.
Analyzing Therapies
The research, which looked at dozens of studies involving thousands of participants, contrasted the results of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
The team point out that people who lose weight through dieting typically have a slower weight regain—approximately 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
The Reason for the Fast Regain
Nutrition scientists propose the mechanism of the jabs accounts for the heightened regain.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a natural hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production may cause the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and could diminish responsiveness to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to hunger is uncontrolled, making overeating much more probable."
A Lifelong Issue?
Health authorities suggest the injections for people with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals argue that, given the likelihood of relapse, the therapy should be considered ongoing.
This view is supported by drug manufacturers, who say that the results "highlight the chronic character of obesity," akin to managing diseases like diabetes.
User Experiences
Users who have discontinued the jabs describe a sudden return of cravings.
"I experienced something flipping and you're instantly starving," said a patient.
The struggle is exacerbated if users have not established sustainable lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Significant Adoption
Figures indicate that a significant number of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with interest being substantial.
- Use is more common among females compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- Many obtain the drugs through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Ultimately, clinicians stress that while these medications are powerful tools for weight loss, they are not a magic solution and maintained weight loss likely depends on ongoing behavioural support.
