New research indicates that people who come off popular weight-loss injections like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on reduced body mass far faster than those who end conventional lifestyle plans.
Published data in a major medical journal shows that while overweight people frequently drop about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the weight is regained at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"Users using such medications must be aware of the danger of fast weight regain when the medication concludes," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery suggests a reversion to starting mass in about one and a half years.
Analyzing Approaches
The study, which reviewed 37 of trials involving thousands of patients, contrasted the effects of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
The team note that individuals who lose weight through diet and exercise typically see a slower creep back—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Explaining the Rapid Regain
Nutrition scientists suggest the mode of action of the drugs explains the accelerated weight return.
GLP-1 drugs copy a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of the hormone concentrations several times higher than normal might result in the system to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and may also reduce responsiveness to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' results in hunger is uncontrolled, making binge eating a significant risk."
An Ongoing Disease?
Medical guidelines recommend the jabs for individuals with obesity-related health risks, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts argue that, due to the likelihood of weight regain, the treatment is often long-term.
This view is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the results "underscore the long-term character of excess weight," akin to managing conditions like diabetes.
Patient Experiences
People who have stopped the medication report a intense resurgence of cravings.
"It was like something activating and you become ravenous," recalled one woman.
This challenge is exacerbated if patients have not established permanent dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Widespread Use
Figures show that a significant number of adults in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with demand being substantial.
- Use is higher among females compared to males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Finally, researchers caution that while GLP-1 drugs are effective agents for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent fix and lasting health benefits hinges on combined lifestyle management.
