A recent study suggests that patients who discontinue new slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on shed pounds far faster than those who end conventional lifestyle regimens.
Published data in a major medical journal demonstrates that while obese people frequently drop a large proportion of their body weight while on the medication, the weight returns at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"People using these drugs need to be informed of the risk of rapid rebound weight gain when the therapy ends," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain suggests a reversion to starting mass within about one and a half years.
Weighing Approaches
The research, which looked at 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the outcomes of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
Researchers point out that people who shed pounds through dieting typically see a less rapid creep back—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Explaining the Fast Regain
Nutrition scientists suggest the mechanism of the drugs accounts for the accelerated regain.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates appetite.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone levels several times higher than normal could lead to the body to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and could diminish responsiveness to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Withdrawal of this medication means appetite is unsuppressed, making overeating far more likely."
A Lifelong Condition?
Health authorities suggest the injections for people with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts argue that, considering the significant potential of relapse, the treatment might need to be long-term.
This opinion is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the results "emphasize the long-term character of excess weight," akin to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Accounts
People who have come off the jabs report a intense resurgence of cravings.
"It felt as if something flipping and you become ravenous," said an individual.
This difficulty is worsened if individuals have not adopted permanent lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Significant Interest
Survey data indicate that millions of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with desire continuing to grow.
- Use is higher among females than men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Finally, clinicians stress that while the jabs are powerful tools for shedding pounds, they are not a magic fix and maintained weight loss likely depends on combined behavioural management.
