Fresh analysis reveals that people who stop using popular slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who end conventional lifestyle plans.
Research printed in a leading medical journal points out that while overweight people often shed a large proportion of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the weight returns at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"Individuals buying these drugs should be aware of the potential of rapid rebound weight gain when the treatment concludes," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain suggests a reversion to starting mass in about a year and a half.
Weighing Therapies
The research, which reviewed dozens of trials involving thousands of participants, contrasted the outcomes of the injectable medications with older methods.
The team point out that people who shed pounds through dieting generally experience a slower creep back—around 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
The Reason for the Fast Rebound
Nutrition scientists suggest the way of the jabs explains the amplified rebound.
The injections mimic a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates feelings of fullness.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 levels far above than normal may cause the system to produce less of its endogenous GLP-1, and could diminish responsiveness to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to appetite is no longer kept in check, making excessive eating a significant risk."
A Lifelong Disease?
Health authorities advise the jabs for people with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals contend that, considering the likelihood of weight regain, the therapy should be considered life-long.
This opinion is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "highlight the long-term nature of obesity," akin to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
User Experiences
Users who have stopped the jabs explain a intense return of hunger.
"It was like a trigger activating and I was suddenly ravenous," recalled an individual.
This difficulty is worsened if individuals have not adopted lasting dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Growing Interest
Recent estimates indicate that a significant number of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with desire continuing to grow.
- Adoption is greater among women than males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Finally, experts emphasize that while GLP-1 drugs are potent agents for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent solution and lasting health benefits relies on ongoing lifestyle support.
