New research suggests that patients who stop using popular slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide tend to recover shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who end traditional diet and exercise plans.
Research printed in a prominent health publication demonstrates that while overweight individuals can lose a large proportion of their total mass while using the jabs, the weight returns at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"People using these medications should be cognizant of the danger of rapid weight regain when the treatment concludes," stated expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery suggests a reversion to original weight in about one and a half years.
Comparing Approaches
The analysis, which looked at 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the results of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
Researchers point out that individuals who lose weight through dieting typically experience a slower weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Rapid Rebound
Experts believe the way of the injections is key to understanding the heightened weight return.
These medications copy a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates hunger.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 levels several times higher than normal might result in the system to produce less of its endogenous GLP-1, and could reduce sensitivity to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Stopping of this medication leads to hunger is no longer kept in check, making overeating far more likely."
An Ongoing Disease?
The NHS advise the injections for people with obesity-related health risks, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians say that, considering the significant potential of weight regain, the treatment might need to be ongoing.
This view is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "highlight the persistent nature of obesity," similar to managing diseases like diabetes.
User Testimonies
Individuals who have discontinued the medication report a sudden resurgence of cravings.
"I experienced a switch that goes on and you're instantly starving," said a patient.
The struggle is exacerbated if users have not adopted sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Significant Interest
Recent estimates suggest that a significant number of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with desire remaining high.
- Adoption is greater among females than males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many obtain the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, clinicians caution that while the jabs are powerful agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone solution and maintained weight loss relies on combined behavioural changes.
