A recent study suggests that patients who discontinue popular slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who end traditional lifestyle regimens.
Research printed in a prominent health publication shows that while overweight individuals can lose substantial amounts of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the mass returns at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"Users using these medications must be aware of the risk of quick rebound weight gain when the treatment concludes," stated expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery means a return to starting weight within about one and a half years.
Analyzing Treatments
The research, which examined dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the results of these new drugs with older methods.
The team point out that people who lose weight through diet and exercise usually have a slower weight regain—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
The Reason for the Quick Regain
Nutrition scientists propose the mechanism of the drugs accounts for the amplified rebound.
These medications copy a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates hunger.
"Artificially providing the hormone concentrations far above than normal may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and may also reduce responsiveness to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' means hunger is uncontrolled, making binge eating a significant risk."
An Ongoing Issue?
Health authorities recommend the jabs for people with weight-linked health risks, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians argue that, considering the high risk of weight regain, the therapy is often long-term.
This perspective is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "emphasize the persistent nature of excess weight," akin to managing conditions like hypertension.
User Accounts
Users who have discontinued the jabs explain a powerful resurgence of appetite.
"I experienced something that goes on and you're instantly starving," said a patient.
This difficulty is compounded if individuals have not established sustainable lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Widespread Interest
Figures suggest that millions of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with interest being substantial.
- Use is higher among women compared to males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- Many access the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Ultimately, experts caution that while the jabs are effective tools for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone cure and long-term success likely depends on combined behavioural changes.
