A recent study suggests that patients who stop using popular weight-loss injections like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on shed pounds far faster than those who stop conventional diet and exercise plans.
Findings released in a prominent medical journal shows that while obese people can lose about a fifth of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the weight returns at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Users purchasing such medications need to be cognizant of the potential of rapid rebound weight gain when the therapy is stopped," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain suggests a return to pre-treatment mass within about 18 months.
Weighing Treatments
The study, which examined 37 of studies involving thousands of patients, compared the effects of these new drugs with other pills.
Scientists emphasize that individuals who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone typically see a more gradual weight regain—approximately 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
The Reason for the Rapid Rebound
Nutrition scientists suggest the way of the drugs accounts for the accelerated regain.
The injections copy a natural hormone called GLP-1, which moderates feelings of fullness.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone concentrations far above than normal might result in the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and may also reduce sensitivity to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Discontinuation of this medication means hunger is unsuppressed, making excessive eating far more likely."
A Chronic Disease?
The NHS suggest the injections for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals say that, given the likelihood of weight regain, the therapy might need to be long-term.
This perspective is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the results "underscore the persistent nature of excess weight," akin to managing diseases like hypertension.
User Experiences
Users who have stopped the medication report a intense resurgence of hunger.
"It was like a trigger that goes on and I was suddenly starving," recalled an individual.
The struggle is exacerbated if users have not developed sustainable lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Growing Use
Figures show that a significant number of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with interest continuing to grow.
- Adoption is more common among females than males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
In conclusion, clinicians caution that while these medications are powerful tools for weight loss, they are not a magic solution and maintained weight loss relies on combined lifestyle changes.
