New research indicates that patients who discontinue blockbuster slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt traditional lifestyle regimens.
Findings released in a major health publication shows that while obese individuals frequently drop about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the mass is regained at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Individuals using such medications need to be aware of the potential of quick rebound weight gain when the treatment ends," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery implies a reversion to starting mass in about a year and a half.
Comparing Approaches
The analysis, which examined dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the results of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
Researchers note that people who shed pounds through dieting generally experience a more gradual weight regain—around 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Quick Rebound
Doctors propose the way of the drugs explains the heightened regain.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone called GLP-1, which moderates appetite.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone levels several times higher than normal might result in the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and may also lessen sensitivity to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' results in appetite is unsuppressed, making overeating far more likely."
An Ongoing Condition?
Medical guidelines advise the injections for people with weight-linked health risks, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts contend that, given the high risk of weight regain, the treatment might need to be life-long.
This view is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the results "emphasize the long-term nature of obesity," akin to managing conditions like diabetes.
User Testimonies
Users who have come off the medication explain a intense return of cravings.
"It felt as if something flipping and you become ravenous," described a patient.
This challenge is worsened if users have not adopted permanent dietary or behavioural modifications during treatment.
Growing Use
Recent estimates show that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with desire continuing to grow.
- Adoption is greater among females compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Ultimately, clinicians caution that while the jabs are powerful agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent solution and long-term success hinges on ongoing behavioural management.
