New research suggests that people who come off popular weight-loss injections like semaglutide or tirzepatide tend to recover reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop traditional diet and exercise programs.
Findings released in a major health publication demonstrates that while overweight people often shed about a fifth of their body weight while using the jabs, the mass returns at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"Users using these drugs should be cognizant of the potential of fast weight regain when the therapy ends," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery implies a reversion to original weight in about a year and a half.
Comparing Therapies
The study, which examined 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the outcomes of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
Scientists point out that people who lose weight through dieting usually see a more gradual creep back—around 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
Explaining the Quick Rebound
Doctors propose the mechanism of the drugs explains the heightened regain.
The injections imitate a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 levels far above than normal could lead to the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and may also diminish sensitivity to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Discontinuation of this medication leads to hunger is unsuppressed, making excessive eating a significant risk."
A Lifelong Issue?
The NHS advise the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals argue that, given the high risk of relapse, the therapy is often ongoing.
This view is echoed by drug manufacturers, who state that the findings "highlight the long-term character of excess weight," comparing it to managing conditions like diabetes.
User Accounts
Users who have discontinued the jabs describe a sudden resurgence of hunger.
"It felt as if a trigger flipping and I was suddenly starving," said an individual.
The struggle is worsened if individuals have not adopted sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Significant Interest
Recent estimates suggest that a significant number of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand continuing to grow.
- Use is more common among women compared to men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Ultimately, researchers emphasize that while the jabs are potent tools for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone fix and maintained weight loss relies on integrated lifestyle support.
