Fresh analysis indicates that people who stop using new slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide tend to recover shed pounds far faster than those who halt conventional lifestyle regimens.
Published data in a leading health publication shows that while overweight individuals often shed a large proportion of their body weight while on the medication, the mass returns at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"Users purchasing such medications need to be informed of the potential of fast rebound weight gain when the therapy ends," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain implies a return to starting mass in about 18 months.
Comparing Treatments
The study, which examined dozens of trials involving thousands of patients, compared the results of these new drugs with older methods.
The team point out that people who shed pounds through diet and exercise generally experience a less rapid weight regain—around 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
The Reason for the Quick Rebound
Experts suggest the way of the injections accounts for the accelerated regain.
The injections copy a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production may cause the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also lessen sensitivity to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to hunger is unsuppressed, making excessive eating far more likely."
An Ongoing Condition?
The NHS suggest the injections for people with weight-linked health risks, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians say that, considering the high risk of weight regain, the treatment should be considered ongoing.
This perspective is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the results "emphasize the persistent character of excess weight," akin to managing conditions like diabetes.
Patient Accounts
Users who have come off the jabs explain a powerful resurgence of hunger.
"It felt as if something that goes on and you're instantly starving," recalled one woman.
This challenge is exacerbated if users have not adopted lasting dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Significant Interest
Survey data suggest that millions of adults in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with interest continuing to grow.
- Adoption is more common among females than males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, experts emphasize that while the jabs are powerful tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent solution and maintained weight loss hinges on ongoing behavioural support.
