A recent study indicates that people who stop using new weight-loss injections like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain shed pounds far faster than those who end conventional diet and exercise plans.
Published data in a leading health publication demonstrates that while obese individuals often shed substantial amounts of their total mass while on the medication, the mass returns at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"People using such drugs need to be cognizant of the risk of quick weight regain when the treatment concludes," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery means a reversion to starting weight within about 18 months.
Analyzing Approaches
The analysis, which reviewed 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the effects of these new drugs with older methods.
Scientists note that people who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone usually see a slower weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Understanding the Fast Regain
Nutrition scientists propose the mechanism of the jabs explains the amplified regain.
The injections copy a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 levels far above than the body's typical production might result in the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and could reduce responsiveness to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' results in hunger is uncontrolled, making binge eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Disease?
The NHS recommend the injections for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts contend that, considering the significant potential of relapse, the treatment is often long-term.
This perspective is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who state that the results "underscore the persistent character of excess weight," comparing it to managing diseases like diabetes.
Patient Accounts
Individuals who have discontinued the jabs describe a powerful resurgence of hunger.
"I experienced something flipping and I was suddenly starving," described one woman.
The struggle is exacerbated if patients have not developed permanent dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Widespread Use
Survey data show that a significant number of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand being substantial.
- Adoption is more common among women than males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, researchers emphasize that while the jabs are potent agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent solution and maintained weight loss likely depends on combined behavioural management.
