A recent study reveals that people who discontinue blockbuster weight-loss injections like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt conventional diet and exercise programs.
Research printed in a major health publication points out that while obese individuals can lose substantial amounts of their total mass while using the jabs, the weight comes back at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"Individuals buying these medications need to be cognizant of the risk of rapid weight regain when the medication is stopped," stated expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain suggests a reversion to pre-treatment weight within about 18 months.
Analyzing Approaches
The analysis, which looked at 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the results of the injectable medications with older methods.
Researchers note that people who shed pounds through dieting generally experience a slower weight regain—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Explaining the Fast Rebound
Doctors believe the mechanism of the drugs accounts for the heightened rebound.
GLP-1 drugs copy a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls hunger.
"Long-term administration of the hormone concentrations far above than the body's typical production could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and could reduce sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement means hunger is unsuppressed, making excessive eating far more likely."
A Lifelong Condition?
Medical guidelines recommend the jabs for people with obesity-related health risks, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts contend that, due to the high risk of relapse, the treatment is often life-long.
This view is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the results "underscore the persistent nature of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like hypertension.
User Accounts
People who have stopped the jabs describe a powerful return of cravings.
"It was like a trigger flipping and you're instantly ravenous," said a patient.
This difficulty is exacerbated if individuals have not established permanent dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Widespread Interest
Figures suggest that millions of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand being substantial.
- Use is more common among females compared to men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest usage rates.
- Many access the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, clinicians caution that while the jabs are potent agents for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent fix and lasting health benefits relies on combined lifestyle changes.
