New research indicates that individuals who come off blockbuster weight-loss injections like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop conventional lifestyle programs.
Published data in a major health publication points out that while overweight individuals often shed about a fifth of their total mass while using the jabs, the weight returns at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"People purchasing such treatments need to be cognizant of the potential of rapid weight regain when the medication is stopped," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain implies a return to pre-treatment mass in about one and a half years.
Weighing Therapies
The analysis, which reviewed dozens of trials involving thousands of participants, compared the outcomes of the injectable medications with older methods.
The team note that people who shed pounds through diet and exercise typically have a more gradual weight regain—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Rapid Rebound
Doctors believe the mechanism of the injections explains the amplified regain.
The injections imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls appetite.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone levels far above than normal could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and could lessen sensitivity to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement results in appetite is uncontrolled, making binge eating much more probable."
A Chronic Condition?
Health authorities recommend the jabs for people with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals argue that, due to the significant potential of relapse, the therapy might need to be life-long.
This opinion is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the results "highlight the chronic character of obesity," akin to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
Patient Accounts
Individuals who have come off the medication describe a sudden return of hunger.
"It felt as if a trigger flipping and I was suddenly starving," described an individual.
This challenge is worsened if individuals have not adopted sustainable lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Significant Adoption
Figures show that millions of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with interest continuing to grow.
- Use is more common among females compared to men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest usage rates.
- Many access the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Finally, researchers stress that while these medications are powerful tools for weight loss, they are not a magic cure and maintained weight loss relies on integrated lifestyle changes.
