New research reveals that people who stop using new weight-loss injections like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on reduced body mass much more quickly than those who halt traditional lifestyle regimens.
Published data in a prominent medical journal demonstrates that while overweight individuals often shed substantial amounts of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the weight comes back at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"People buying these treatments must be informed of the potential of quick weight regain when the treatment is stopped," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery means a reversion to pre-treatment weight in about a year and a half.
Weighing Treatments
The study, which examined 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the outcomes of the injectable medications with older methods.
The team note that people who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone generally have a slower weight regain—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Explaining the Fast Regain
Nutrition scientists suggest the mode of action of the jabs explains the heightened weight return.
The injections imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing the hormone concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production might result in the body to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and could diminish responsiveness to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' results in hunger is uncontrolled, making excessive eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Condition?
Medical guidelines advise the injections for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
Many experts contend that, given the significant potential of relapse, the treatment is often life-long.
This view is supported by drug manufacturers, who state that the results "highlight the long-term character of obesity," comparing it to managing conditions like hypertension.
User Experiences
Individuals who have stopped the medication explain a intense resurgence of cravings.
"It felt as if something activating and I was suddenly extremely hungry," described a patient.
The struggle is worsened if users have not adopted permanent lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Growing Interest
Recent estimates indicate that millions of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with desire remaining high.
- Adoption is more common among females compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- Many access the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, researchers emphasize that while GLP-1 drugs are effective tools for weight loss, they are not a magic fix and maintained weight loss likely depends on ongoing lifestyle support.
