New research reveals that people who stop using blockbuster weight-loss injections like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on shed pounds much more quickly than those who stop conventional lifestyle programs.
Published data in a major health publication demonstrates that while overweight individuals can lose about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the mass comes back at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"Users buying such drugs must be informed of the potential of fast weight regain when the therapy concludes," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain means a reversion to original mass in about a year and a half.
Analyzing Treatments
The study, which looked at 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the effects of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
The team point out that individuals who lose weight through dieting typically have a more gradual weight regain—approximately 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
Explaining the Rapid Regain
Nutrition scientists believe the way of the jabs is key to understanding the accelerated weight return.
These medications mimic a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone concentrations several times higher than normal might result in the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and may also diminish sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement leads to hunger is uncontrolled, making overeating a significant risk."
A Chronic Issue?
Medical guidelines recommend the jabs for individuals with weight-linked health risks, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
Professionals contend that, given the significant potential of weight regain, the therapy might need to be ongoing.
This view is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who say that the findings "highlight the chronic character of excess weight," akin to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
User Testimonies
Users who have stopped the jabs explain a intense return of appetite.
"I experienced a switch flipping and I was suddenly starving," described a patient.
The struggle is exacerbated if individuals have not established permanent dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Growing Adoption
Figures show that millions of adults in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with demand remaining high.
- Use is higher among women compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, clinicians caution that while these medications are powerful tools for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent fix and maintained weight loss relies on combined behavioural changes.
