Fresh analysis reveals that people who stop using new slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide tend to recover lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop conventional diet and exercise programs.
Findings released in a major medical journal shows that while overweight people frequently drop about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the mass comes back at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Users using such treatments should be aware of the risk of quick rebound weight gain when the medication concludes," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain means a reversion to starting mass in about a year and a half.
Analyzing Therapies
The research, which examined dozens of trials involving thousands of patients, contrasted the outcomes of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
Scientists note that people who shed pounds through dieting usually experience a slower creep back—around 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
Understanding the Rapid Regain
Experts propose the mechanism of the jabs explains the heightened weight return.
These medications mimic a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing the hormone concentrations far above than the body's typical production might result in the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and could lessen sensitivity to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement means appetite is uncontrolled, making excessive eating far more likely."
An Ongoing Condition?
Medical guidelines advise the injections for individuals with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts argue that, considering the high risk of weight regain, the treatment should be considered ongoing.
This perspective is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who say that the findings "highlight the long-term nature of obesity," comparing it to managing conditions like diabetes.
Patient Accounts
People who have come off the jabs report a intense resurgence of hunger.
"I experienced a trigger flipping and I was suddenly ravenous," described an individual.
The struggle is compounded if patients have not adopted permanent lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Significant Use
Survey data show that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand continuing to grow.
- Use is higher among females compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, experts stress that while the jabs are potent tools for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone fix and lasting health benefits likely depends on combined lifestyle management.
