A recent study suggests that individuals who stop using popular weight-loss injections like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on shed pounds far faster than those who stop traditional diet and exercise programs.
Findings released in a major health publication shows that while overweight individuals frequently drop about a fifth of their total mass while using the jabs, the weight is regained at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"People purchasing such drugs need to be informed of the potential of quick weight regain when the therapy is stopped," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery implies a return to pre-treatment mass within about 18 months.
Analyzing Treatments
The study, which reviewed dozens of trials involving thousands of participants, contrasted the results of the injectable medications with older methods.
Scientists point out that people who lose weight through dieting usually experience a less rapid weight regain—approximately 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
Explaining the Quick Regain
Nutrition scientists believe the mode of action of the injections explains the heightened regain.
GLP-1 drugs copy a natural hormone called GLP-1, which controls appetite.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 levels far above than the body's typical production could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also lessen responsiveness to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Discontinuation of this hormone supplement results in appetite is unsuppressed, making overeating far more likely."
An Ongoing Issue?
The NHS suggest the jabs for people with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals say that, given the high risk of weight regain, the therapy might need to be life-long.
This opinion is echoed by drug manufacturers, who say that the findings "underscore the chronic character of excess weight," comparing it to managing diseases like hypertension.
Patient Experiences
People who have stopped the jabs describe a powerful return of appetite.
"It felt as if a trigger flipping and I was suddenly extremely hungry," recalled a patient.
This challenge is worsened if patients have not adopted permanent dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Widespread Use
Survey data indicate that millions of adults in the UK have tried these injections in the past year, with demand remaining high.
- Adoption is higher among females than men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Finally, experts caution that while these medications are potent agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone cure and long-term success hinges on integrated behavioural changes.
