A recent study reveals that people who come off new weight-loss injections like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop conventional lifestyle regimens.
Published data in a prominent health publication points out that while overweight people frequently drop substantial amounts of their body weight while on the medication, the weight comes back at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"People using these treatments must be aware of the danger of quick rebound weight gain when the treatment concludes," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain means a return to starting mass in about a year and a half.
Analyzing Therapies
The research, which examined dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the outcomes of the injectable medications with older methods.
Scientists note that people who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone usually see a more gradual creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Rapid Rebound
Experts propose the mechanism of the drugs accounts for the heightened regain.
GLP-1 drugs copy a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 levels several times higher than normal could lead to the system to produce less of its own natural hormone, and could diminish responsiveness to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement results in appetite is no longer kept in check, making overeating far more likely."
A Chronic Disease?
The NHS suggest the jabs for people with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals contend that, considering the significant potential of relapse, the therapy might need to be ongoing.
This opinion is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "emphasize the long-term nature of obesity," akin to managing diseases like diabetes.
User Accounts
People who have stopped the medication report a intense resurgence of cravings.
"It was like a switch that goes on and you're instantly ravenous," recalled one woman.
This challenge is worsened if patients have not established lasting lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Significant Adoption
Recent estimates indicate that millions of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand continuing to grow.
- Use is more common among women compared to men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, experts stress that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful agents for shedding pounds, they are not a magic cure and long-term success likely depends on ongoing behavioural changes.
