New research indicates that people who discontinue popular weight-loss injections like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain shed pounds much more quickly than those who halt conventional lifestyle plans.
Findings released in a prominent health publication demonstrates that while obese people frequently drop a large proportion of their total mass while using the jabs, the mass comes back at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"People buying such medications must be cognizant of the danger of fast rebound weight gain when the therapy is stopped," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain suggests a return to original mass in about a year and a half.
Comparing Therapies
The study, which examined 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the effects of the injectable medications with other pills.
The team point out that people who shed pounds through dieting generally experience a slower weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
Understanding the Rapid Regain
Nutrition scientists propose the way of the drugs is key to understanding the heightened regain.
These medications imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which moderates appetite.
"Artificially providing the hormone concentrations far above than normal may cause the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and may also reduce sensitivity to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Discontinuation of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to appetite is uncontrolled, making binge eating much more probable."
A Chronic Issue?
Medical guidelines recommend the jabs for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals say that, given the high risk of weight regain, the treatment should be considered life-long.
This opinion is supported by drug manufacturers, who note that the results "emphasize the persistent character of obesity," comparing it to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
User Accounts
Users who have come off the jabs describe a sudden return of hunger.
"It felt as if a switch that goes on and you become ravenous," described a patient.
This difficulty is worsened if users have not established lasting lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Significant Interest
Figures show that a significant number of people in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with demand being substantial.
- Use is more common among women compared to men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, researchers emphasize that while the jabs are effective tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent solution and maintained weight loss relies on ongoing lifestyle changes.
