New research indicates that people who come off popular weight-loss injections like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on shed pounds much more quickly than those who end traditional lifestyle plans.
Findings released in a major medical journal shows that while overweight people often shed about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the mass comes back at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Individuals using such medications must be informed of the risk of fast weight regain when the medication is stopped," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery suggests a return to starting weight within about one and a half years.
Weighing Approaches
The analysis, which examined dozens of trials involving thousands of participants, compared the effects of these new drugs with older methods.
The team note that individuals who lose weight through dieting generally experience a less rapid creep back—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
The Reason for the Fast Regain
Experts believe the mode of action of the drugs explains the accelerated weight return.
These medications copy a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls hunger.
"Artificially providing the hormone concentrations several times higher than normal could lead to the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and could diminish responsiveness to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Discontinuation of this GLP-1 'fix' results in hunger is uncontrolled, making excessive eating a significant risk."
A Lifelong Condition?
Health authorities recommend the injections for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians contend that, due to the high risk of weight regain, the treatment should be considered ongoing.
This perspective is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the results "underscore the persistent nature of obesity," akin to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
Patient Accounts
Users who have come off the jabs report a sudden resurgence of appetite.
"It felt as if a trigger activating and you're instantly ravenous," recalled an individual.
The struggle is compounded if individuals have not developed sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Growing Interest
Recent estimates suggest that millions of adults in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with interest being substantial.
- Use is greater among females than men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, researchers emphasize that while GLP-1 drugs are potent agents for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent cure and maintained weight loss relies on integrated behavioural management.
