Fresh analysis indicates that individuals who come off popular slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who end traditional lifestyle plans.
Findings released in a prominent medical journal demonstrates that while overweight people often shed substantial amounts of their body weight while using the jabs, the mass comes back at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Users buying these treatments should be cognizant of the danger of quick rebound weight gain when the treatment ends," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain suggests a reversion to pre-treatment mass in about 18 months.
Weighing Approaches
The analysis, which looked at 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the effects of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
Scientists note that individuals who shed pounds through diet and exercise typically experience a slower weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Fast Regain
Experts believe the mechanism of the injections accounts for the heightened weight return.
These medications copy a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 concentrations far above than normal could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and may also lessen responsiveness to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' results in appetite is no longer kept in check, making excessive eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Issue?
The NHS advise the jabs for individuals with obesity-related health risks, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians contend that, considering the significant potential of weight regain, the treatment is often ongoing.
This view is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who state that the findings "emphasize the chronic character of obesity," comparing it to managing diseases like diabetes.
Patient Accounts
Individuals who have stopped the medication describe a powerful resurgence of hunger.
"It was like a trigger flipping and I was suddenly extremely hungry," described one woman.
This difficulty is compounded if patients have not adopted permanent lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Widespread Adoption
Figures show that a significant number of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with desire continuing to grow.
- Adoption is greater among women compared to males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Finally, clinicians emphasize that while these medications are potent agents for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent fix and lasting health benefits relies on ongoing behavioural support.
