New research suggests that individuals who stop using new weight-loss injections like semaglutide or tirzepatide tend to recover reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who end traditional diet and exercise regimens.
Published data in a prominent medical journal points out that while overweight individuals frequently drop about a fifth of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the weight is regained at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"People purchasing such treatments need to be cognizant of the danger of quick rebound weight gain when the treatment concludes," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery means a return to starting weight within about one and a half years.
Comparing Approaches
The analysis, which looked at 37 of studies involving thousands of participants, compared the results of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
Researchers note that people who shed pounds through dieting typically have a slower creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Understanding the Quick Rebound
Nutrition scientists propose the mechanism of the injections accounts for the amplified rebound.
GLP-1 drugs copy a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone levels several times higher than the body's typical production may cause the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also diminish sensitivity to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement means hunger is no longer kept in check, making excessive eating a significant risk."
A Lifelong Condition?
Medical guidelines suggest the jabs for people with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals say that, considering the high risk of relapse, the therapy should be considered ongoing.
This view is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who state that the findings "underscore the long-term nature of obesity," similar to managing diseases like diabetes.
User Accounts
Individuals who have come off the jabs report a sudden return of hunger.
"It was like a switch flipping and you become starving," described a patient.
The struggle is compounded if individuals have not established lasting lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Significant Interest
Recent estimates indicate that millions of people in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with demand being substantial.
- Adoption is higher among women compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, researchers stress that while these medications are powerful agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone fix and maintained weight loss likely depends on ongoing behavioural support.
