A recent study reveals that people who stop using new slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain shed pounds much more quickly than those who end traditional lifestyle programs.
Published data in a leading health publication demonstrates that while overweight people often shed about a fifth of their total mass while using the jabs, the weight comes back at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"People using such treatments need to be informed of the risk of fast rebound weight gain when the therapy concludes," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery suggests a return to pre-treatment weight in about a year and a half.
Weighing Treatments
The study, which looked at 37 of studies involving thousands of patients, compared the outcomes of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
Researchers emphasize that individuals who lose weight through dieting generally see a slower creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Understanding the Fast Regain
Experts suggest the way of the drugs explains the accelerated weight return.
These medications imitate a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates appetite.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than normal may cause the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and could lessen responsiveness to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement leads to appetite is no longer kept in check, making binge eating far more likely."
A Lifelong Condition?
The NHS advise the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians say that, considering the high risk of weight regain, the therapy is often life-long.
This opinion is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who state that the results "emphasize the persistent character of excess weight," comparing it to managing conditions like hypertension.
User Testimonies
Individuals who have stopped the jabs explain a sudden resurgence of cravings.
"It was like a switch that goes on and you become ravenous," recalled one woman.
The struggle is compounded if individuals have not developed lasting dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Widespread Use
Recent estimates suggest that millions of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with desire being substantial.
- Adoption is higher among females than men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- Many obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
In conclusion, experts caution that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful tools for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent fix and lasting health benefits relies on combined behavioural changes.
