A recent study reveals that individuals who come off popular weight-loss injections like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on lost weight far faster than those who stop conventional diet and exercise regimens.
Published data in a leading medical journal shows that while overweight people can lose about a fifth of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the mass returns at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"Users purchasing such medications should be cognizant of the potential of fast rebound weight gain when the therapy is stopped," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain means a return to original weight in about 18 months.
Weighing Treatments
The study, which examined dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the results of the injectable medications with older methods.
Researchers note that individuals who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone typically have a slower weight regain—perhaps 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.
Explaining the Quick Regain
Nutrition scientists propose the mechanism of the drugs is key to understanding the heightened rebound.
These medications mimic a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls appetite.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production may cause the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and could lessen responsiveness to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Discontinuation of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to appetite is uncontrolled, making overeating much more probable."
An Ongoing Disease?
The NHS advise the jabs for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts say that, considering the significant potential of relapse, the treatment might need to be ongoing.
This view is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the findings "emphasize the long-term nature of obesity," similar to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
Patient Testimonies
People who have stopped the medication report a intense resurgence of cravings.
"It was like a switch that goes on and I was suddenly starving," said one woman.
This challenge is compounded if patients have not established lasting lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Widespread Adoption
Recent estimates show that millions of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand continuing to grow.
- Adoption is more common among women than males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- Many obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
In conclusion, clinicians caution that while the jabs are potent tools for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent cure and long-term success hinges on integrated behavioural changes.
