New research indicates that people who discontinue new weight-loss injections like semaglutide or tirzepatide tend to recover shed pounds much more quickly than those who halt conventional diet and exercise programs.
Research printed in a prominent medical journal shows that while obese people can lose about a fifth of their total mass while using the jabs, the mass is regained at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Users purchasing such drugs should be cognizant of the potential of rapid weight regain when the treatment concludes," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery means a reversion to pre-treatment weight in about a year and a half.
Weighing Treatments
The research, which looked at 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
Researchers emphasize that people who shed pounds through dieting typically experience a more gradual creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Explaining the Fast Rebound
Nutrition scientists propose the mode of action of the drugs accounts for the amplified weight return.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls appetite.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production could lead to the system to produce less of its own natural hormone, and may also lessen responsiveness to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Withdrawal of this medication means hunger is uncontrolled, making excessive eating a significant risk."
An Ongoing Condition?
The NHS recommend the injections for people with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by recommended lifestyle changes.
Many experts say that, considering the significant potential of weight regain, the therapy should be considered long-term.
This view is supported by drug manufacturers, who say that the results "highlight the long-term nature of excess weight," akin to managing diseases like diabetes.
User Accounts
People who have stopped the jabs describe a intense return of appetite.
"It felt as if a trigger that goes on and you're instantly ravenous," described an individual.
This difficulty is worsened if patients have not developed sustainable lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Widespread Interest
Survey data suggest that millions of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with demand remaining high.
- Adoption is more common among females compared to males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
In conclusion, clinicians caution that while the jabs are effective tools for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent solution and lasting health benefits hinges on combined behavioural changes.
