New research reveals that people who discontinue new weight-loss injections like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain shed pounds much more quickly than those who stop traditional diet and exercise regimens.
Published data in a leading health publication points out that while overweight individuals often shed about a fifth of their total mass while using the jabs, the weight is regained at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"People using such drugs should be aware of the potential of quick weight regain when the medication is stopped," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery implies a reversion to starting mass in about a year and a half.
Weighing Treatments
The analysis, which examined dozens of studies involving thousands of participants, contrasted the effects of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
Scientists emphasize that people who shed pounds through diet and exercise generally experience a slower creep back—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Explaining the Fast Regain
Experts suggest the mode of action of the jabs accounts for the accelerated weight return.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls appetite.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 levels several times higher than normal might result in the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and could diminish responsiveness to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to appetite is no longer kept in check, making excessive eating much more probable."
A Lifelong Condition?
Medical guidelines suggest the injections for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians contend that, due to the high risk of weight regain, the therapy should be considered life-long.
This opinion is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the findings "emphasize the persistent character of excess weight," akin to managing diseases like hypertension.
User Experiences
Users who have come off the medication describe a powerful return of hunger.
"It felt as if something activating and I was suddenly extremely hungry," described an individual.
The struggle is compounded if individuals have not established permanent dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Growing Use
Figures show that millions of people in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with interest continuing to grow.
- Adoption is greater among women than males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Ultimately, clinicians stress that while these medications are effective tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent fix and lasting health benefits hinges on integrated behavioural changes.
