A recent study suggests that individuals who come off new weight-loss injections like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who end conventional lifestyle programs.
Research printed in a leading medical journal points out that while obese people can lose substantial amounts of their body weight while on the medication, the mass returns at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Users buying such medications should be informed of the danger of quick weight regain when the therapy concludes," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery suggests a reversion to pre-treatment mass in about a year and a half.
Weighing Treatments
The research, which examined 37 of studies involving thousands of participants, contrasted the results of these new drugs with older methods.
The team point out that individuals who shed pounds through diet and exercise typically see a more gradual weight regain—approximately 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
Understanding the Fast Regain
Experts propose the way of the injections is key to understanding the accelerated regain.
These medications mimic a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than normal may cause the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and may also reduce responsiveness to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Discontinuation of this hormone supplement leads to appetite is no longer kept in check, making overeating far more likely."
A Chronic Issue?
The NHS suggest the injections for people with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals say that, due to the significant potential of weight regain, the therapy should be considered life-long.
This view is echoed by drug manufacturers, who note that the results "highlight the persistent character of obesity," akin to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Experiences
People who have discontinued the medication describe a intense return of appetite.
"It was like something that goes on and I was suddenly extremely hungry," described an individual.
The struggle is compounded if individuals have not established sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Widespread Use
Survey data show that a significant number of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with desire remaining high.
- Adoption is greater among women compared to males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, experts emphasize that while GLP-1 drugs are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a magic fix and maintained weight loss likely depends on combined lifestyle management.
