A recent study indicates that individuals who discontinue popular weight-loss injections like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain lost weight far faster than those who stop traditional diet and exercise plans.
Research printed in a leading medical journal shows that while overweight people frequently drop about a fifth of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the weight comes back at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Users buying these medications must be cognizant of the potential of rapid rebound weight gain when the therapy ends," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery suggests a return to original mass in about one and a half years.
Weighing Approaches
The research, which examined dozens of trials involving thousands of patients, contrasted the effects of the injectable medications with older methods.
Researchers note that individuals who shed pounds through dieting generally see a less rapid weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
The Reason for the Quick Rebound
Nutrition scientists propose the mechanism of the jabs is key to understanding the accelerated rebound.
The injections imitate a natural hormone called GLP-1, which controls hunger.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 levels several times higher than normal could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and may also reduce responsiveness to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Stopping of this medication results in hunger is uncontrolled, making excessive eating a significant risk."
An Ongoing Condition?
The NHS recommend the jabs for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by recommended lifestyle changes.
Many experts say that, considering the high risk of weight regain, the therapy should be considered life-long.
This view is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who say that the results "highlight the persistent character of obesity," similar to managing conditions like hypertension.
User Experiences
Users who have discontinued the jabs describe a intense return of cravings.
"I experienced a switch that goes on and you become ravenous," described an individual.
This difficulty is worsened if individuals have not established permanent lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Widespread Use
Survey data suggest that a significant number of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with interest remaining high.
- Adoption is higher among women than men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, researchers caution that while the jabs are powerful tools for weight loss, they are not a magic solution and maintained weight loss likely depends on combined behavioural support.
