New research suggests that people who discontinue new weight-loss injections like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain lost weight much more quickly than those who halt conventional lifestyle regimens.
Published data in a prominent medical journal points out that while obese people frequently drop substantial amounts of their body weight while on the medication, the weight is regained at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"People purchasing these medications need to be informed of the danger of rapid weight regain when the treatment ends," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain suggests a return to pre-treatment mass within about 18 months.
Analyzing Treatments
The study, which looked at dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the outcomes of these new drugs with older methods.
Scientists point out that individuals who lose weight through dieting typically experience a more gradual weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Quick Regain
Experts propose the mechanism of the drugs explains the accelerated rebound.
The injections mimic a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls hunger.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 levels several times higher than normal could lead to the body to produce less of its own natural hormone, and could reduce responsiveness to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Discontinuation of this hormone supplement means appetite is uncontrolled, making binge eating far more likely."
A Lifelong Condition?
Medical guidelines suggest the jabs for people with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals say that, given the likelihood of relapse, the treatment might need to be long-term.
This perspective is echoed by drug manufacturers, who say that the findings "highlight the chronic character of obesity," comparing it to managing diseases like diabetes.
User Experiences
Individuals who have stopped the jabs describe a intense resurgence of appetite.
"I experienced a switch activating and you become starving," said a patient.
This difficulty is compounded if patients have not adopted lasting dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Growing Use
Recent estimates suggest that a significant number of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with demand being substantial.
- Adoption is higher among females than men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- Many obtain the drugs through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Finally, researchers stress that while the jabs are potent tools for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent cure and long-term success likely depends on combined behavioural changes.
