A recent study suggests that patients who stop using popular slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on lost weight much more quickly than those who end traditional diet and exercise programs.
Findings released in a leading health publication points out that while overweight people often shed substantial amounts of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the mass is regained at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"People using these treatments must be cognizant of the risk of quick rebound weight gain when the medication concludes," stated expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery implies a return to starting weight within about one and a half years.
Analyzing Treatments
The research, which examined 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the effects of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
Scientists emphasize that people who shed pounds through dieting generally experience a slower weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Quick Regain
Experts believe the mechanism of the injections accounts for the heightened weight return.
The injections copy a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than normal may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and may also reduce sensitivity to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement results in hunger is unsuppressed, making binge eating much more probable."
A Chronic Condition?
Medical guidelines suggest the injections for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts say that, due to the high risk of relapse, the treatment might need to be long-term.
This perspective is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who note that the findings "highlight the long-term nature of obesity," akin to managing diseases like hypertension.
Patient Accounts
Users who have come off the jabs explain a sudden return of appetite.
"It felt as if a switch flipping and you become ravenous," described one woman.
This challenge is compounded if users have not established lasting lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Widespread Interest
Survey data suggest that millions of people in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with interest continuing to grow.
- Adoption is greater among females compared to males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest usage rates.
- Many access the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, clinicians emphasize that while these medications are potent agents for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone solution and lasting health benefits hinges on ongoing behavioural changes.
