New research reveals that people who stop using popular slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on lost weight far faster than those who stop conventional lifestyle programs.
Findings released in a leading health publication demonstrates that while obese people often shed substantial amounts of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the weight is regained at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"People buying such treatments need to be cognizant of the danger of fast rebound weight gain when the medication ends," stated researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain implies a reversion to pre-treatment weight within about 18 months.
Analyzing Therapies
The research, which examined dozens of studies involving thousands of patients, compared the effects of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
Researchers point out that people who lose weight through dieting usually have a less rapid creep back—approximately 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
Explaining the Quick Regain
Nutrition scientists suggest the mechanism of the drugs is key to understanding the heightened regain.
These medications copy a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 levels far above than the body's typical production might result in the body to produce less of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also reduce sensitivity to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to hunger is unsuppressed, making binge eating much more probable."
A Chronic Issue?
The NHS advise the injections for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts say that, considering the significant potential of relapse, the treatment should be considered long-term.
This opinion is echoed by drug manufacturers, who say that the findings "underscore the chronic nature of excess weight," comparing it to managing diseases like hypertension.
User Experiences
Individuals who have discontinued the jabs report a powerful return of cravings.
"It felt as if a switch activating and you're instantly ravenous," recalled an individual.
This challenge is exacerbated if individuals have not adopted sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Widespread Use
Recent estimates suggest that millions of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with interest being substantial.
- Adoption is higher among women than males.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, clinicians stress that while these medications are potent agents for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone fix and maintained weight loss hinges on combined lifestyle management.
