New research suggests that people who come off new slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on shed pounds much more quickly than those who stop traditional lifestyle plans.
Research printed in a leading medical journal shows that while overweight people can lose substantial amounts of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the mass is regained at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"Users using such treatments should be informed of the danger of rapid weight regain when the therapy concludes," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery means a return to pre-treatment mass in about a year and a half.
Comparing Therapies
The study, which reviewed dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
Researchers point out that people who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone generally have a slower creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Rapid Rebound
Doctors propose the mechanism of the drugs is key to understanding the accelerated weight return.
The injections imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which moderates appetite.
"Long-term administration of the hormone concentrations far above than normal may cause the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also diminish responsiveness to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Withdrawal of this medication leads to appetite is unsuppressed, making excessive eating much more probable."
A Lifelong Disease?
Health authorities recommend the injections for individuals with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by recommended lifestyle changes.
Professionals argue that, due to the significant potential of relapse, the treatment should be considered ongoing.
This opinion is echoed by drug manufacturers, who note that the findings "highlight the chronic nature of obesity," akin to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
User Accounts
Individuals who have stopped the jabs report a powerful return of cravings.
"I experienced a switch that goes on and you're instantly starving," recalled an individual.
This difficulty is compounded if users have not adopted sustainable lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Significant Interest
Figures show that millions of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with demand continuing to grow.
- Use is higher among women than males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
In conclusion, clinicians stress that while these medications are potent agents for shedding pounds, they are not a magic cure and long-term success likely depends on ongoing lifestyle support.
