Fresh analysis reveals that patients who come off new weight-loss injections like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop traditional lifestyle programs.
Findings released in a prominent medical journal demonstrates that while overweight people often shed a large proportion of their total mass while using the jabs, the mass returns at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Users using these drugs must be aware of the risk of fast rebound weight gain when the medication is stopped," stated researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain implies a return to pre-treatment weight within about one and a half years.
Weighing Approaches
The study, which examined dozens of trials involving thousands of patients, contrasted the results of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
Scientists note that people who lose weight through dieting usually have a more gradual weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
Understanding the Rapid Regain
Experts suggest the mode of action of the jabs accounts for the heightened weight return.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which moderates hunger.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production may cause the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and may also lessen sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to hunger is no longer kept in check, making binge eating far more likely."
An Ongoing Disease?
Medical guidelines suggest the injections for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts say that, given the high risk of weight regain, the therapy is often ongoing.
This view is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the results "emphasize the persistent nature of obesity," akin to managing diseases like hypertension.
Patient Accounts
People who have discontinued the medication report a intense resurgence of hunger.
"It was like a switch activating and you're instantly extremely hungry," recalled one woman.
The struggle is exacerbated if individuals have not adopted sustainable lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Widespread Interest
Recent estimates show that a significant number of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with desire remaining high.
- Use is higher among women than men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest level of interest.
- Many access the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Finally, researchers emphasize that while GLP-1 drugs are effective tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent cure and maintained weight loss hinges on combined behavioural changes.
