A recent study suggests that people who stop using blockbuster weight-loss injections like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain reduced body mass far faster than those who halt conventional lifestyle programs.
Findings released in a prominent medical journal shows that while obese people often shed about a fifth of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the mass is regained at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"Individuals using these treatments must be informed of the danger of rapid weight regain when the therapy concludes," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain implies a reversion to pre-treatment weight in about a year and a half.
Weighing Approaches
The analysis, which examined 37 of trials involving thousands of patients, compared the results of these new drugs with older methods.
The team point out that people who lose weight through diet and exercise usually have a slower weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Fast Regain
Nutrition scientists suggest the mechanism of the jabs accounts for the amplified regain.
The injections imitate a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production might result in the body to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and may also reduce sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement means appetite is no longer kept in check, making overeating far more likely."
A Chronic Disease?
The NHS advise the jabs for individuals with obesity-related health risks, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals argue that, given the high risk of weight regain, the therapy might need to be life-long.
This opinion is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who state that the findings "emphasize the persistent character of obesity," comparing it to managing diseases like hypertension.
Patient Experiences
People who have stopped the jabs describe a intense return of cravings.
"I experienced a trigger that goes on and I was suddenly starving," recalled an individual.
This difficulty is exacerbated if users have not established permanent lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Growing Adoption
Recent estimates suggest that a significant number of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with desire continuing to grow.
- Adoption is greater among women compared to men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- Many obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, experts caution that while GLP-1 drugs are effective tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent fix and maintained weight loss relies on combined behavioural changes.
