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 stop traditional diet and exercise regimens.
Findings released in a major medical journal demonstrates that while overweight individuals frequently drop substantial amounts of their total mass while on the medication, the weight comes back at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"Individuals buying these treatments need to be informed of the risk of quick weight regain when the treatment is stopped," stated expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery means a return to original mass in about 18 months.
Weighing Therapies
The research, which reviewed 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the outcomes of these new drugs with other pills.
The team note that people who lose weight through diet and exercise typically have a more gradual creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Understanding the Fast Rebound
Nutrition scientists believe the way of the injections explains the accelerated regain.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls hunger.
"Long-term administration of the hormone concentrations several times higher than normal might result in the system to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and could diminish sensitivity to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Stopping of this medication leads to hunger is unsuppressed, making excessive eating far more likely."
A Lifelong Condition?
Medical guidelines recommend the jabs for people with obesity-related health risks, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts say that, given the high risk of relapse, the therapy is often long-term.
This opinion is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the findings "highlight the long-term nature of obesity," similar to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
Patient Experiences
People who have discontinued the medication explain a intense return of appetite.
"It felt as if a switch flipping and you're instantly starving," described an individual.
The struggle is exacerbated if users have not adopted sustainable lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Widespread Use
Figures suggest that millions of people in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with interest remaining high.
- Adoption is more common among women than males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
In conclusion, experts caution that while these medications are potent tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent solution and lasting health benefits likely depends on ongoing behavioural changes.
