New research reveals that individuals who come off popular weight-loss injections like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain reduced body mass far faster than those who stop traditional diet and exercise plans.
Published data in a prominent health publication shows that while obese individuals often shed about a fifth of their body weight while using the jabs, the weight comes back at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Individuals using these treatments need to be aware of the danger of quick weight regain when the treatment is stopped," stated researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery implies a reversion to starting weight in about a year and a half.
Comparing Treatments
The analysis, which looked at 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
The team emphasize that individuals who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone usually see a slower creep back—perhaps 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.
Explaining the Quick Regain
Doctors propose the mechanism of the injections explains the heightened rebound.
The injections copy a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 levels several times higher than the body's typical production could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and may also diminish responsiveness to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement leads to hunger is uncontrolled, making binge eating far more likely."
An Ongoing Disease?
Medical guidelines advise the injections for people with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals contend that, due to the significant potential of weight regain, the therapy is often long-term.
This view is echoed by drug manufacturers, who state that the results "highlight the chronic character of excess weight," akin to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
Patient Experiences
Users who have stopped the medication explain a sudden resurgence of cravings.
"It felt as if a trigger flipping and you become ravenous," recalled an individual.
The struggle is exacerbated if individuals have not established permanent lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Widespread Use
Recent estimates indicate that a significant number of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with desire continuing to grow.
- Use is more common among women than men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest level of interest.
- Many obtain the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, researchers caution that while the jabs are powerful agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent cure and maintained weight loss relies on integrated behavioural support.
