New research reveals that individuals who come off blockbuster slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide tend to recover shed pounds far faster than those who stop conventional lifestyle programs.
Published data in a major medical journal shows that while overweight individuals frequently drop about a fifth of their body weight while using the jabs, the weight comes back at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"Users purchasing these drugs must be aware of the risk of rapid rebound weight gain when the medication concludes," stated researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain implies a reversion to starting mass in about a year and a half.
Weighing Treatments
The study, which looked at 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the effects of these new drugs with other pills.
Scientists note that people who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone typically have a slower weight regain—approximately 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
Understanding the Rapid Regain
Experts propose the mechanism of the jabs explains the heightened regain.
The injections copy a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"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 own natural hormone, and may also diminish responsiveness to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' results in appetite is no longer kept in check, making excessive eating a significant risk."
A Chronic Condition?
Health authorities recommend the jabs for people with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
Professionals contend that, given the significant potential of relapse, the treatment might need to be long-term.
This opinion is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the results "underscore the chronic character of obesity," similar to managing conditions like diabetes.
Patient Accounts
Users who have come off the medication describe a intense resurgence of appetite.
"It felt as if a trigger that goes on and you become extremely hungry," described one woman.
The struggle is worsened if users have not adopted permanent dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Widespread Use
Figures show that millions of adults in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with demand continuing to grow.
- Use is higher among females than males.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, experts emphasize that while these medications are powerful agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent solution and maintained weight loss likely depends on ongoing behavioural changes.
