Fresh analysis indicates that patients who come off blockbuster slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide tend to recover lost weight far faster than those who stop traditional diet and exercise programs.
Findings released in a prominent medical journal shows that while overweight individuals frequently drop about a fifth of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the mass comes back at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"Users buying such medications should be informed of the risk of fast weight regain when the treatment ends," stated expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery means a return to starting mass in about a year and a half.
Analyzing Treatments
The research, which examined dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the effects of the injectable medications with other pills.
Scientists emphasize that individuals who lose weight through dieting usually experience a slower weight regain—perhaps 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
Explaining the Rapid Rebound
Doctors suggest the mechanism of the injections explains the accelerated rebound.
The injections imitate a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates hunger.
"Artificially providing the hormone levels several times higher than the body's typical production might result in the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and may also diminish responsiveness to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Discontinuation of this GLP-1 'fix' means hunger is uncontrolled, making binge eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Condition?
The NHS suggest the injections for individuals with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals contend that, due to the high risk of weight regain, the treatment might need to be ongoing.
This view is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the results "highlight the chronic character of obesity," similar to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
User Experiences
People who have stopped the jabs report a sudden resurgence of hunger.
"It felt as if a trigger flipping and you become extremely hungry," described a patient.
The struggle is compounded if individuals have not established permanent dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Widespread Use
Recent estimates show that millions of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with interest continuing to grow.
- Adoption is higher among women than men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many obtain the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, researchers stress that while the jabs are powerful agents for weight loss, they are not a magic solution and maintained weight loss likely depends on integrated behavioural management.
