A recent study indicates that patients who come off new weight-loss injections like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on shed pounds far faster than those who stop traditional lifestyle plans.
Research printed in a leading medical journal points out that while obese individuals often shed about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the weight comes back at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Users buying these treatments should be informed of the risk of fast rebound weight gain when the therapy is stopped," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain means a reversion to pre-treatment weight in about one and a half years.
Analyzing Treatments
The research, which looked at 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the effects of the injectable medications with older methods.
The team point out that people who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone usually see a more gradual weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Explaining the Quick Regain
Nutrition scientists suggest the mechanism of the injections explains the amplified weight return.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates hunger.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 levels far above than the body's typical production may cause the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and may also lessen responsiveness to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement results in appetite is unsuppressed, making binge eating far more likely."
A Chronic Issue?
Health authorities recommend the injections for people with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals argue that, considering the high risk of weight regain, the treatment should be considered life-long.
This opinion is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "emphasize the long-term character of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like diabetes.
Patient Testimonies
People who have stopped the medication describe a intense resurgence of appetite.
"I experienced a trigger flipping and you become starving," described a patient.
This difficulty is worsened if patients have not adopted lasting lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Growing Adoption
Figures suggest that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with desire remaining high.
- Use is more common among females than men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Ultimately, clinicians caution that while the jabs are effective tools for weight loss, they are not a magic fix and long-term success relies on ongoing behavioural changes.
