A recent study indicates that patients who stop using new slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on lost weight much more quickly than those who end traditional diet and exercise plans.
Findings released in a prominent medical journal points out that while obese people frequently drop a large proportion of their body weight while using the jabs, the mass is regained at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"People purchasing such drugs must be cognizant of the risk of quick rebound weight gain when the medication ends," stated researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain suggests a return to original mass within about one and a half years.
Weighing Therapies
The research, which examined 37 of trials involving thousands of participants, contrasted the results of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
Scientists note that individuals who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone usually have a more gradual weight regain—perhaps 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
The Reason for the Rapid Rebound
Doctors suggest the way of the jabs explains the heightened regain.
GLP-1 drugs copy a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than normal might result in the system to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and could diminish responsiveness to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Discontinuation of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to appetite is uncontrolled, making binge eating far more likely."
An Ongoing Condition?
The NHS advise the injections for individuals with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts argue that, due to the high risk of weight regain, the therapy might need to be long-term.
This perspective is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the findings "underscore the persistent character of excess weight," akin to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
Patient Accounts
People who have discontinued the jabs explain a powerful resurgence of hunger.
"It was like something activating and you become ravenous," recalled an individual.
This difficulty is worsened if users have not established permanent lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Growing Interest
Figures show that a significant number of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with desire continuing to grow.
- Use is more common among females compared to males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, clinicians caution that while the jabs are effective tools for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone fix and long-term success relies on combined lifestyle support.
