Fresh analysis suggests that patients who come off blockbuster slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide tend to recover shed pounds far faster than those who halt traditional lifestyle programs.
Research printed in a prominent health publication points out that while overweight people often shed a large proportion of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the mass is regained at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"People purchasing such medications should be informed of the risk of rapid weight regain when the therapy ends," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery implies a return to starting mass within about one and a half years.
Weighing Treatments
The study, which looked at dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the effects of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
The team point out that people who shed pounds through diet and exercise typically see a slower creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Quick Rebound
Doctors believe the mechanism of the injections explains the heightened regain.
The injections imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 levels far above than the body's typical production may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and could reduce responsiveness to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement means hunger is no longer kept in check, making binge eating far more likely."
A Lifelong Condition?
The NHS suggest the jabs for individuals with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by recommended lifestyle changes.
Professionals contend that, considering the likelihood of relapse, the therapy should be considered long-term.
This view is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the findings "underscore the chronic nature of excess weight," akin to managing conditions like diabetes.
User Accounts
People who have come off the medication describe a intense return of cravings.
"It was like a trigger flipping and I was suddenly starving," said one woman.
This difficulty is compounded if patients have not adopted lasting lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Widespread Use
Recent estimates suggest that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with desire remaining high.
- Use is more common among females than males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- Many access the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Ultimately, researchers stress that while these medications are powerful tools for weight loss, they are not a magic fix and lasting health benefits relies on ongoing lifestyle support.
