New research reveals that individuals who come off popular weight-loss injections like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain lost weight far faster than those who halt traditional diet and exercise plans.
Findings released in a prominent health publication demonstrates that while overweight individuals frequently drop about a fifth of their total mass while using the jabs, the weight returns at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"People purchasing these treatments should be cognizant of the risk of fast rebound weight gain when the therapy ends," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery suggests a return to starting mass within about 18 months.
Comparing Approaches
The study, which examined dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the outcomes of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
The team point out that people who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone usually have a more gradual creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Understanding the Rapid Regain
Nutrition scientists propose the way of the drugs accounts for the accelerated rebound.
These medications mimic a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which moderates appetite.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than normal may cause the body to produce less of its own natural hormone, and may also diminish responsiveness to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Withdrawal of this medication means appetite is uncontrolled, making excessive eating much more probable."
A Chronic Condition?
The NHS suggest the jabs for individuals with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts argue that, considering the high risk of relapse, the treatment is often life-long.
This view is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the findings "underscore the long-term nature of excess weight," akin to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
User Accounts
Individuals who have discontinued the jabs describe a powerful return of appetite.
"It was like a switch flipping and you're instantly starving," described an individual.
The struggle is worsened if users have not established lasting lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Significant Use
Figures suggest that a significant number of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with desire continuing to grow.
- Adoption is higher among women than men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, experts stress that while GLP-1 drugs are potent agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone solution and maintained weight loss likely depends on ongoing lifestyle support.
