New research suggests that patients who stop using popular weight-loss injections like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on reduced body mass far faster than those who stop conventional diet and exercise regimens.
Published data in a prominent health publication demonstrates that while overweight people often shed a large proportion of their total mass while using the jabs, the weight returns at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Users purchasing these treatments should be cognizant of the potential of fast rebound weight gain when the medication is stopped," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain means a return to pre-treatment weight within about 18 months.
Comparing Approaches
The analysis, which looked at 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the effects of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
Scientists note that individuals who shed pounds through dieting generally have a more gradual weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Understanding the Rapid Regain
Experts suggest the mechanism of the injections explains the accelerated rebound.
These medications imitate a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls appetite.
"Artificially providing the hormone concentrations far above than the body's typical production might result in the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and could diminish responsiveness to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Discontinuation of this GLP-1 'fix' means appetite is unsuppressed, making overeating a significant risk."
An Ongoing Disease?
Health authorities advise the jabs for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts say that, considering the likelihood of weight regain, the treatment is often life-long.
This opinion is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "underscore the chronic character of obesity," akin to managing diseases like hypertension.
Patient Experiences
People who have stopped the medication explain a powerful resurgence of appetite.
"I experienced something that goes on and you're instantly ravenous," described a patient.
This difficulty is exacerbated if individuals have not developed lasting lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Widespread Use
Figures show that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with interest continuing to grow.
- Use is higher among females compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- Many obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, experts emphasize that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful agents for weight loss, they are not a magic fix and maintained weight loss relies on combined lifestyle support.
