Fresh analysis suggests that patients who discontinue new weight-loss injections like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on reduced body mass far faster than those who stop traditional lifestyle plans.
Research printed in a leading health publication demonstrates that while overweight people often shed about a fifth of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the weight is regained at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"People purchasing these treatments need to be cognizant of the risk of rapid weight regain when the therapy ends," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain suggests a return to starting mass within about 18 months.
Analyzing Treatments
The analysis, which reviewed 37 of studies involving thousands of participants, compared the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
The team note that individuals who shed pounds through diet and exercise usually experience a slower creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
The Reason for the Fast Regain
Experts believe the way of the injections explains the amplified weight return.
GLP-1 drugs copy a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate hunger.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production could lead to the body to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and could diminish sensitivity to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Discontinuation of this hormone supplement leads to hunger is no longer kept in check, making excessive eating a significant risk."
A Lifelong Disease?
Health authorities suggest the injections for people with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts say that, considering the significant potential of relapse, the treatment should be considered long-term.
This view is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who note that the findings "highlight the persistent character of obesity," akin to managing conditions like diabetes.
Patient Accounts
People who have come off the jabs describe a sudden return of hunger.
"It was like a switch activating and you become extremely hungry," described an individual.
This challenge is compounded if patients have not adopted lasting lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Significant Interest
Survey data suggest that a significant number of people in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with desire being substantial.
- Use is greater among women than males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
In conclusion, clinicians caution that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful tools for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent fix and maintained weight loss likely depends on integrated lifestyle management.
