Fresh analysis suggests that people who come off popular weight-loss injections like semaglutide or tirzepatide tend to recover shed pounds far faster than those who end conventional lifestyle plans.
Research printed in a major health publication shows that while overweight people can lose a large proportion of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the mass returns at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Users using such treatments should be cognizant of the danger of quick weight regain when the treatment ends," stated expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery implies a return to pre-treatment weight in about one and a half years.
Weighing Therapies
The analysis, which looked at 37 of trials involving thousands of patients, compared the effects of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
The team emphasize that individuals who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone generally experience a slower weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Quick Regain
Experts suggest the mode of action of the injections accounts for the accelerated regain.
The injections copy a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls hunger.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production may cause the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and could diminish sensitivity to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' results in hunger is no longer kept in check, making overeating much more probable."
A Chronic Issue?
Medical guidelines recommend the injections for individuals with obesity-related health risks, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts say that, considering the significant potential of relapse, the treatment might need to be life-long.
This perspective is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the findings "emphasize the long-term nature of obesity," comparing it to managing diseases like hypertension.
Patient Testimonies
Individuals who have discontinued the medication explain a sudden resurgence of appetite.
"It felt as if a switch flipping and you become starving," said an individual.
This challenge is exacerbated if individuals have not adopted permanent lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Growing Adoption
Figures show that millions of people in the UK have tried these injections in the past year, with demand being substantial.
- Adoption is more common among females than men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, researchers stress that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone fix and long-term success relies on combined behavioural support.
