Stopping weight loss jabs can lead to rapid weight regain in one year, study suggests
Stopping Weight Loss Jabs May Result in Quick Weight Regain, Research Indicates
A recent study implies that individuals who discontinue obesity treatments may regain a significant portion of their lost weight within a year. Researchers at the University of Cambridge noted that after ceasing the medication for 52 weeks, participants on average recovered 60% of the weight they had shed.
GLP-1 Drugs and Their Role in Weight Management
Obesity jabs, categorized as GLP-1 receptor agonists, function by replicating the hormone GLP-1 to control blood sugar and insulin. Initially designed for type 2 diabetes, certain variants like semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) are now approved by the NHS for obesity treatment. These drugs also demonstrate potential in preventing or addressing addictions to substances such as alcohol, tobacco, and opioids, according to a separate investigation involving over 600,000 U.S. veterans.
“Weight regain following cessation of these drugs is substantial, yet some weight loss may persist,” remarked Brajan Budini, a medical student at the University of Cambridge’s School of Clinical Medicine.
The Cambridge study, which analyzed data from six trials involving more than 3,200 people, published in eClinicalMedicine, highlights that weight recovery is likely to stabilize after 60 weeks, with 75% of initial weight loss typically regained. This suggests that 25% of the reduction could be sustained over time.
A parallel study, reported in the British Medical Journal, tracked veterans for up to three years. It revealed a 14% decrease in substance use disorders among those without prior addiction, alongside reductions in alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, nicotine, and opioid-related issues. For individuals already struggling with addiction, the drugs were linked to a 31% lower risk of emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and fatal outcomes tied to substance misuse.
Experts emphasize that GLP-1 agonists influence the brain’s reward system, reducing cravings. However, further research is needed to determine how these medications impact body composition—specifically whether fat mass increases more than lean mass—during and after therapy.
While the U.S. study focused on older men, comparable results were observed in female participants, indicating broader applicability. The findings underline the importance of understanding long-term effects and tailoring treatment strategies to optimize outcomes.
