Fresh analysis suggests that patients who stop using blockbuster slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop traditional lifestyle plans.
Findings released in a leading medical journal shows that while overweight individuals often shed about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the weight is regained at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"People using these drugs should be informed of the danger of quick rebound weight gain when the treatment is stopped," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain implies a reversion to original weight in about 18 months.
Analyzing Treatments
The study, which reviewed dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the effects of the injectable medications with other pills.
Researchers note that people who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone usually experience a more gradual weight regain—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Explaining the Quick Rebound
Doctors suggest the mechanism of the jabs accounts for the heightened weight return.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls hunger.
"Long-term administration of the hormone levels several times higher than normal might result in the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and may also diminish responsiveness to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Discontinuation of this GLP-1 'fix' results in appetite is uncontrolled, making binge eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Disease?
The NHS recommend the jabs for individuals with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians say that, given the high risk of weight regain, the treatment should be considered life-long.
This view is echoed by drug manufacturers, who state that the results "emphasize the persistent character of obesity," akin to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Experiences
Individuals who have discontinued the medication describe a powerful return of hunger.
"I experienced a switch flipping and you're instantly starving," described a patient.
This challenge is worsened if patients have not developed sustainable lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Growing Interest
Survey data indicate that millions of people in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with interest remaining high.
- Adoption is higher among females compared to males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest level of interest.
- Many access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
In conclusion, experts caution that while the jabs are powerful tools for weight loss, they are not a standalone solution and long-term success likely depends on ongoing lifestyle support.
