Fresh analysis reveals that patients who come off popular slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain lost weight much more quickly than those who halt conventional lifestyle regimens.
Published data in a leading health publication points out that while obese individuals can lose substantial amounts 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.
"Individuals buying these drugs must be informed of the potential of fast rebound weight gain when the medication concludes," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain implies a reversion to pre-treatment mass in about 18 months.
Weighing Treatments
The analysis, which examined dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the results of the injectable medications with older methods.
Researchers note that people who shed pounds through dieting generally experience a slower weight regain—around 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
Explaining the Fast Regain
Nutrition scientists propose the mode of action of the injections explains the heightened regain.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of the hormone levels several times higher than the body's typical production might result in the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and could reduce responsiveness to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement results in appetite is uncontrolled, making overeating much more probable."
A Lifelong Issue?
Medical guidelines advise the jabs for individuals with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts say that, considering the significant potential of relapse, the treatment might need to be long-term.
This perspective is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who note that the results "underscore the persistent nature of obesity," comparing it to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Testimonies
Individuals who have come off the medication report a intense resurgence of cravings.
"I experienced a trigger flipping and you're instantly extremely hungry," said one woman.
This difficulty is exacerbated if patients have not developed permanent lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Widespread Interest
Survey data indicate that millions of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with interest being substantial.
- Adoption is higher among women compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- Many obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Finally, experts caution that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful tools for weight loss, they are not a standalone fix and maintained weight loss relies on combined lifestyle management.
