New research suggests that patients who come off blockbuster weight-loss injections like semaglutide or tirzepatide tend to recover lost weight far faster than those who halt traditional diet and exercise regimens.
Findings released in a leading medical journal points out that while obese people often shed a large proportion of their body weight while on the medication, the mass returns at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"People using these drugs should be informed of the risk of quick rebound weight gain when the treatment is stopped," stated expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain implies a reversion to pre-treatment weight within about one and a half years.
Analyzing Therapies
The research, which looked at 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the outcomes of the injectable medications with older methods.
The team emphasize that individuals who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone usually see a less rapid creep back—approximately 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
Explaining the Fast Regain
Nutrition scientists believe the mechanism of the jabs explains the amplified regain.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone called GLP-1, which controls appetite.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production may cause the system to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and could reduce responsiveness to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Stopping of this medication means appetite is uncontrolled, making overeating far more likely."
A Chronic Disease?
Health authorities advise the injections for individuals with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts argue that, due to the likelihood of relapse, the therapy is often long-term.
This view is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who say that the results "highlight the long-term character of excess weight," akin to managing diseases like hypertension.
Patient Experiences
People who have come off the jabs report a intense resurgence of hunger.
"I experienced something activating and I was suddenly ravenous," recalled an individual.
This difficulty is exacerbated if users have not established lasting dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Growing Use
Recent estimates indicate that a significant number of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with interest being substantial.
- Use is more common among women compared to men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, clinicians stress that while the jabs are powerful tools for shedding pounds, they are not a magic fix and long-term success relies on combined behavioural management.
