A recent study reveals that patients who stop using new weight-loss injections like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain reduced body mass far faster than those who halt conventional lifestyle regimens.
Published data in a leading medical journal demonstrates that while overweight individuals can lose substantial amounts of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the mass comes back at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"Users using these treatments should be aware of the risk of quick rebound weight gain when the therapy is stopped," stated researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain means a reversion to original weight within about a year and a half.
Weighing Treatments
The analysis, which examined 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the results of the injectable medications with older methods.
The team note that people who lose weight through dieting typically have a slower creep back—perhaps 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
Understanding the Fast Regain
Experts propose the mode of action of the jabs accounts for the accelerated regain.
These medications imitate a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of the hormone levels several times higher than normal could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and could reduce responsiveness to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Discontinuation of this hormone supplement means appetite is uncontrolled, making binge eating much more probable."
A Chronic Condition?
The NHS recommend the jabs for people with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals say that, considering the high risk of relapse, the treatment should be considered ongoing.
This view is supported by drug manufacturers, who note that the results "highlight the chronic nature of excess weight," comparing it to managing diseases like diabetes.
User Experiences
People who have discontinued the medication describe a intense return of appetite.
"I experienced a trigger that goes on and you're instantly starving," described an individual.
The struggle is exacerbated if users have not adopted permanent lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Significant Use
Survey data suggest that a significant number of people in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with desire being substantial.
- Use is higher among females compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Finally, clinicians caution that while these medications are potent agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent fix and maintained weight loss relies on integrated lifestyle support.
