A recent study reveals that people who stop using popular weight-loss injections like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain lost weight much more quickly than those who stop traditional lifestyle programs.
Research printed in a prominent health publication points out that while overweight individuals can lose a large proportion of their total mass while on the medication, the mass is regained at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"Individuals using these drugs must be informed of the danger of quick weight regain when the therapy is stopped," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain means a return to pre-treatment mass within about 18 months.
Analyzing Treatments
The study, which looked at dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the effects of these new drugs with older methods.
The team emphasize that individuals who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone usually experience a less rapid weight regain—around 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Fast Regain
Doctors suggest the way of the jabs explains the accelerated regain.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which moderates hunger.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 levels several times higher than normal could lead to the body to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and could reduce sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Discontinuation of this medication means appetite is unsuppressed, making binge eating far more likely."
An Ongoing Disease?
The NHS recommend the jabs for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts contend that, due to the high risk of weight regain, the treatment is often ongoing.
This view is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the results "highlight the persistent character of excess weight," akin to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
User Experiences
People who have discontinued the medication report a sudden resurgence of cravings.
"I experienced a switch activating and I was suddenly ravenous," recalled an individual.
The struggle is exacerbated if users have not established permanent dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Growing Interest
Recent estimates indicate that a significant number of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand remaining high.
- Adoption is greater among women than males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
In conclusion, researchers caution that while GLP-1 drugs are effective agents for shedding pounds, they are not a magic fix and long-term success hinges on ongoing behavioural changes.
