New research indicates that people who stop using new weight-loss injections like semaglutide or tirzepatide tend to recover lost weight far faster than those who halt traditional diet and exercise regimens.
Findings released in a major medical journal points out that while obese people often shed a large proportion of their body weight while using the jabs, the mass comes back at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"Users purchasing these treatments should be aware of the risk of fast weight regain when the medication is stopped," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery implies a reversion to starting mass within about a year and a half.
Analyzing Treatments
The analysis, which examined 37 of trials involving thousands of participants, compared the results of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
Researchers note that people who shed pounds through dieting typically experience a slower weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Rapid Rebound
Experts believe the mode of action of the drugs explains the amplified regain.
GLP-1 drugs copy a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls appetite.
"Long-term administration of the hormone levels several times higher than the body's typical production might result in the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and could diminish responsiveness to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement means appetite is unsuppressed, making overeating far more likely."
A Lifelong Disease?
Health authorities advise the injections for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by recommended lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians argue that, considering the significant potential of weight regain, the therapy might need to be long-term.
This opinion is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the findings "underscore the long-term character of obesity," similar to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
Patient Experiences
People who have stopped the medication report a intense return of hunger.
"It was like a trigger that goes on and I was suddenly extremely hungry," said an individual.
The struggle is exacerbated if users have not adopted sustainable lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Growing Interest
Recent estimates show that a significant number of people in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with interest continuing to grow.
- Adoption is more common among women than men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest usage rates.
- Many obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Finally, researchers stress that while GLP-1 drugs are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a magic solution and long-term success relies on ongoing behavioural management.
