Fresh analysis suggests that people who come off popular weight-loss injections like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop traditional lifestyle regimens.
Research printed in a leading health publication shows that while obese individuals can lose about a fifth of their total mass while on the medication, the mass comes back at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"Users using these medications should be cognizant of the danger of fast rebound weight gain when the therapy is stopped," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery means a return to original weight in about one and a half years.
Comparing Approaches
The analysis, which looked at 37 of studies involving thousands of participants, compared the outcomes of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
Scientists note that people who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone generally experience a more gradual weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Understanding the Quick Rebound
Nutrition scientists believe the mode of action of the drugs is key to understanding the heightened rebound.
The injections imitate a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 levels far above than the body's typical production could lead to the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and may also reduce responsiveness to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to hunger is no longer kept in check, making overeating much more probable."
A Chronic Condition?
The NHS advise the injections for people with obesity-related health risks, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals say that, considering the likelihood of relapse, the therapy is often life-long.
This opinion is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the results "emphasize the long-term nature of obesity," similar to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
User Accounts
Users who have come off the medication explain a sudden return of hunger.
"It was like a trigger that goes on and you become ravenous," said a patient.
This challenge is compounded if users have not developed sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Widespread Use
Figures indicate that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with interest being substantial.
- Use is more common among women than males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Ultimately, experts stress that while the jabs are powerful tools for weight loss, they are not a standalone fix and long-term success hinges on combined behavioural changes.
