New research suggests that individuals who discontinue blockbuster weight-loss injections like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain shed pounds far faster than those who end traditional lifestyle plans.
Research printed in a prominent health publication points out that while overweight people can lose a large proportion of their body weight while on the medication, the mass comes back at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Users buying such treatments need to be cognizant of the risk of rapid rebound weight gain when the treatment is stopped," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery means a reversion to pre-treatment mass in about 18 months.
Comparing Approaches
The analysis, which looked at 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the effects of these new drugs with older methods.
The team note that people who shed pounds through dieting typically have a slower weight regain—perhaps 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.
Explaining the Quick Rebound
Nutrition scientists believe the mechanism of the injections is key to understanding the heightened regain.
The injections mimic a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone concentrations far above than the body's typical production might result in the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and may also lessen responsiveness to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Discontinuation of this medication results in hunger is no longer kept in check, making excessive eating far more likely."
A Chronic Issue?
Health authorities advise the jabs for people with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals argue that, considering the significant potential of weight regain, the therapy is often life-long.
This view is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the findings "emphasize the long-term nature of obesity," comparing it to managing conditions like hypertension.
Patient Accounts
Users who have come off the jabs describe a sudden resurgence of cravings.
"It felt as if a trigger flipping and I was suddenly extremely hungry," described one woman.
This difficulty is worsened if users have not adopted sustainable dietary or behavioural modifications during treatment.
Growing Adoption
Recent estimates show that millions of people in the UK have tried these injections in the past year, with demand remaining high.
- Use is greater among women than males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Ultimately, experts stress that while these medications are powerful tools for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent fix and maintained weight loss relies on combined lifestyle support.
