Fresh analysis indicates that individuals who come off popular weight-loss injections like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on shed pounds much more quickly than those who halt traditional diet and exercise programs.
Findings released in a prominent health publication shows that while obese people frequently drop a large proportion of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the weight returns at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"People using such drugs need to be informed of the potential of rapid rebound weight gain when the treatment ends," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain implies a reversion to starting weight in about a year and a half.
Weighing Treatments
The analysis, which reviewed 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
The team note that people who shed pounds through dieting usually have a more gradual weight regain—perhaps 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
The Reason for the Quick Rebound
Doctors propose the mechanism of the injections accounts for the accelerated rebound.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates appetite.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 levels several times higher than the body's typical production may cause the body to produce less of its own natural hormone, and may also lessen responsiveness to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Discontinuation of this medication means appetite is uncontrolled, making excessive eating far more likely."
An Ongoing Issue?
Health authorities advise the injections for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians contend that, due to the significant potential of weight regain, the therapy might need to be ongoing.
This perspective is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the results "emphasize the persistent character of excess weight," similar to managing diseases like hypertension.
User Accounts
Individuals who have discontinued the medication explain a sudden resurgence of cravings.
"It was like a trigger activating and you're instantly starving," recalled one woman.
This challenge is exacerbated if patients have not adopted permanent dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Significant Use
Recent estimates indicate that millions of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand remaining high.
- Use is more common among women compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Ultimately, experts emphasize that while these medications are potent tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent cure and long-term success hinges on ongoing behavioural changes.
