Fresh analysis reveals that people who come off popular weight-loss injections like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on reduced body mass much more quickly than those who end conventional diet and exercise regimens.
Research printed in a major health publication shows that while overweight individuals can lose about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the weight returns at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"Individuals buying such medications need to be cognizant of the danger of rapid rebound weight gain when the medication is stopped," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain means a reversion to starting weight within about 18 months.
Analyzing Treatments
The analysis, which reviewed 37 of studies involving thousands of participants, contrasted the outcomes of the injectable medications with older methods.
The team emphasize that people who shed pounds through diet and exercise generally experience a slower creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
Explaining the Quick Regain
Experts suggest the mechanism of the jabs is key to understanding the heightened weight return.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate hunger.
"Artificially providing the hormone levels far above than normal may cause the body to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and could reduce responsiveness to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to hunger is uncontrolled, making overeating far more likely."
A Chronic Disease?
Medical guidelines recommend the injections for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts contend that, given the likelihood of relapse, the therapy should be considered long-term.
This view is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the findings "emphasize the chronic character of excess weight," comparing it to managing conditions like diabetes.
Patient Experiences
People who have discontinued the medication describe a intense resurgence of appetite.
"I experienced a trigger flipping and you're instantly ravenous," described a patient.
This difficulty is compounded if individuals have not adopted lasting dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Widespread Use
Recent estimates indicate that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with interest being substantial.
- Use is higher among females compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- Many access the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Ultimately, researchers emphasize that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful tools for shedding pounds, they are not a magic cure and long-term success hinges on combined behavioural support.
