New research reveals that patients who discontinue popular slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide tend to recover shed pounds much more quickly than those who stop traditional lifestyle programs.
Research printed in a major medical journal points out that while obese individuals often shed a large proportion of their body weight while using the jabs, the mass returns at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"People buying such drugs must be cognizant of the potential of quick rebound weight gain when the medication ends," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain implies a reversion to pre-treatment weight in about one and a half years.
Analyzing Therapies
The research, which looked at 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the results of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
Researchers point out that people who shed pounds through diet and exercise usually have a more gradual creep back—around 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
The Reason for the Quick Regain
Nutrition scientists believe the mode of action of the drugs explains the accelerated weight return.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone called GLP-1, which controls hunger.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production could lead to the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and could lessen sensitivity to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to hunger is unsuppressed, making binge eating much more probable."
A Chronic Disease?
Medical guidelines advise the jabs for individuals with weight-linked health risks, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
Professionals contend that, due to the likelihood of relapse, the therapy should be considered life-long.
This perspective is supported by drug manufacturers, who state that the findings "underscore the persistent character of obesity," akin to managing diseases like hypertension.
User Experiences
Users who have stopped the jabs report a sudden resurgence of hunger.
"I experienced something flipping and I was suddenly starving," said a patient.
This difficulty is worsened if patients have not developed sustainable lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Significant Interest
Recent estimates show that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with desire continuing to grow.
- Use is more common among women than men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- Many obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, researchers emphasize that while these medications are potent tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent fix and lasting health benefits hinges on combined behavioural management.
