A recent study suggests that individuals who discontinue new slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on shed pounds much more quickly than those who stop traditional lifestyle programs.
Findings released in a prominent medical journal points out that while overweight individuals often shed a large proportion of their body weight while on the medication, the weight is regained at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"People buying such treatments must be informed of the risk of rapid rebound weight gain when the therapy ends," stated expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain suggests a return to original weight in about one and a half years.
Weighing Treatments
The analysis, which looked at 37 of trials involving thousands of patients, contrasted the results of the injectable medications with older methods.
Scientists point out that people who lose weight through dieting typically experience a more gradual weight regain—perhaps 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
The Reason for the Rapid Rebound
Doctors suggest the mechanism of the drugs is key to understanding the heightened weight return.
The injections copy a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates appetite.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 levels far above than the body's typical production could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and may also diminish sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement leads to hunger is uncontrolled, making binge eating a significant risk."
A Chronic Issue?
The NHS recommend the jabs for people with weight-linked health risks, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians argue that, given the significant potential of weight regain, the therapy is often long-term.
This perspective is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who say that the results "underscore the persistent character of obesity," similar to managing conditions like diabetes.
Patient Accounts
People who have discontinued the jabs report a sudden resurgence of appetite.
"It was like a trigger activating and I was suddenly ravenous," recalled an individual.
This challenge is compounded if users have not adopted permanent dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Significant Use
Survey data suggest that a significant number of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand remaining high.
- Adoption is more common among females compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Finally, researchers caution that while the jabs are potent agents for shedding pounds, they are not a magic fix and long-term success relies on combined behavioural changes.
