A recent study reveals that people who stop using popular weight-loss injections like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain lost weight much more quickly than those who stop conventional lifestyle regimens.
Findings released in a prominent health publication demonstrates that while overweight people can lose substantial amounts of their body weight while on the medication, the weight is regained at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"People purchasing these drugs should be aware of the danger of rapid rebound weight gain when the treatment concludes," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery implies a return to pre-treatment mass in about one and a half years.
Analyzing Approaches
The study, which looked at 37 of trials involving thousands of patients, compared the results of the injectable medications with other pills.
The team emphasize that individuals who lose weight through diet and exercise generally have a more gradual weight regain—around 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
Explaining the Fast Regain
Doctors believe the mode of action of the jabs is key to understanding the amplified regain.
These medications copy a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which moderates appetite.
"Long-term administration of the hormone levels several times higher than normal might result in the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and could reduce responsiveness to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement results in hunger is unsuppressed, making excessive eating far more likely."
A Chronic Condition?
The NHS recommend the injections for people with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians contend that, due to the likelihood of weight regain, the therapy should be considered life-long.
This view is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "underscore the chronic character of excess weight," comparing it to managing conditions like hypertension.
User Testimonies
People who have discontinued the jabs explain a sudden resurgence of hunger.
"It was like a switch activating and I was suddenly ravenous," said one woman.
The struggle is worsened if individuals have not developed permanent lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Widespread Adoption
Figures suggest that a significant number of people in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with interest remaining high.
- Adoption is greater among women than males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Finally, researchers stress that while the jabs are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone cure and maintained weight loss hinges on integrated behavioural changes.
