Fresh analysis suggests that patients who come off popular weight-loss injections like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt traditional lifestyle plans.
Findings released in a leading medical journal points out that while obese people can lose a large proportion of their body weight while using the jabs, the mass comes back at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"Users buying such treatments need to be aware of the potential of fast weight regain when the therapy concludes," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain means a return to pre-treatment weight in about a year and a half.
Comparing Therapies
The study, which examined dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with other pills.
Scientists note that people who shed pounds through dieting typically experience a slower creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
Understanding the Quick Rebound
Doctors propose the mode of action of the drugs is key to understanding the heightened regain.
The injections copy a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls appetite.
"Artificially providing the hormone concentrations far above than the body's typical production may cause the body to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and could diminish sensitivity to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Stopping of this medication leads to hunger is uncontrolled, making overeating far more likely."
A Chronic Condition?
Medical guidelines advise the injections for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
Many experts contend that, given the significant potential of relapse, the treatment should be considered ongoing.
This view is supported by drug manufacturers, who note that the findings "emphasize the chronic character of obesity," akin to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
User Accounts
People who have stopped the medication describe a intense return of cravings.
"It felt as if a trigger flipping and I was suddenly extremely hungry," said an individual.
This difficulty is worsened if users have not developed lasting lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Significant Use
Figures indicate that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with interest continuing to grow.
- Use is more common among women compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, researchers stress that while the jabs are potent tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent fix and maintained weight loss likely depends on ongoing behavioural changes.
