Weight Loss Injections and the Looming Yo-yo Effect
Who would've thought shedding pounds could be as simple as a needle prick? With new weight loss injections making headlines, it seems like the fight against obesity might just have a silver bullet. But hold your horses — there's a new curveball on the playing field: the dreaded yo-yo effect.
Research is painting a grim picture of the yo-yo effect setting in relatively soon after discontinuing these weight loss injections. A group of researchers from various countries recently studied 670 patients and found that those given a placebo after 36 weeks of tirzepatide (a popular weight loss medication) gained a substantial amount of weight by the study's end. On the flip side, the test subjects who continued their tirzepatide treatment saw their weights plummet further.
These findings come as no surprise to the experts in the field. In fact, tirzepatide hasn't yet been approved in the EU for the treatment of obesity, and can only be prescribed in specific circumstances for type 2 diabetes in Germany, under the name "Mounjaro."
Tirzepatide is known for its impressive weight loss results, outshining even semaglutide (often mentioned in Germany when it comes to weight loss injections). Just as with semaglutide treatments, study participants should still stick to a healthy diet and regular workouts.
The same study yielded some interesting findings for semaglutide as well. Over the study period, the test subjects who underwent a placebo regained weight, but nonetheless, they still recorded an overall weight loss of around 10%.
The research team concluded that continuing therapy is crucial to avoiding weight regain, as five different studies on various types of medications have shown a clear yo-yo effect following discontinuation. Semaglutide was, of course, one of them.
Let's Talk Side Effects
The study participants consistently reported nausea, diarrhea, and constipation as the main side effects. However, the intensity of these side effects was generally described as mild to moderate, and their severity decreased over time.
Due to reduced support in daily practice, patients might regain weight more quickly after discontinuing the treatment. The authors of the study emphasize that these "miracle injections" should be used for an extended period.
The Big Question: Are These Injections the Solution?
While tirzepatide and semaglutide have proved to be effective weight loss tools, the long-term implications remain murky. The yo-yo effect after discontinuation is a valid concern, and the necessity of long-term therapy to avoid weight regain cannot be overstated.
Moreover, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is an essential component of weight loss, and these medications should not serve as a one-stop solution. A balanced diet and regular exercise should always be a cornerstone of any weight loss journey, whether you rely on medications or not.
Further Reading
[1] Study A. (Year). Title of the Study. Journal Name. [2] Study B. (Year). Title of the Study. Journal Name. [3] Study C. (Year). Title of the Study. Journal Name. [4] Study D. (Year). Title of the Study. Journal Name. [5] Study E. (Year). Title of the Study. Journal Name.
