New research indicates that patients who stop using new slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide tend to recover lost weight much more quickly than those who stop traditional diet and exercise programs.
Findings released in a prominent health publication points out that while overweight people often shed a large proportion of their body weight while using the jabs, the mass is regained at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Individuals purchasing such medications must be cognizant of the danger of rapid rebound weight gain when the medication concludes," stated researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain means a return to pre-treatment weight within about one and a half years.
Analyzing Approaches
The research, which looked at dozens of studies involving thousands of participants, contrasted the outcomes of these new drugs with other pills.
The team point out that individuals who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone generally have a less rapid weight regain—around 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Quick Rebound
Experts propose the way of the injections explains the heightened weight return.
These medications copy a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates hunger.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 levels several times higher than normal could lead to the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and may also reduce responsiveness to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Discontinuation of this medication results in appetite is no longer kept in check, making overeating far more likely."
An Ongoing Condition?
The NHS advise the jabs for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals say that, considering the likelihood of relapse, the treatment might need to be life-long.
This opinion is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the findings "emphasize the chronic nature of excess weight," similar to managing diseases like hypertension.
Patient Accounts
Individuals who have stopped the jabs report a sudden resurgence of appetite.
"It felt as if something flipping and you become ravenous," described a patient.
This challenge is worsened if patients have not adopted permanent lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Significant Use
Survey data suggest that millions of adults in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with demand continuing to grow.
- Use is more common among women than men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest level of interest.
- Many obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, researchers caution that while these medications are effective agents for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone cure and long-term success hinges on integrated behavioural support.
