New research reveals that people who come off new slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide tend to recover shed pounds much more quickly than those who halt traditional lifestyle plans.
Findings released in a prominent medical journal demonstrates that while obese individuals can lose substantial amounts of their body weight while on the medication, the weight is regained at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Users buying such treatments need to be cognizant of the risk of rapid weight regain when the treatment is stopped," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery implies a return to original mass in about a year and a half.
Comparing Treatments
The analysis, which reviewed dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the outcomes of these new drugs with other pills.
Researchers point out that people who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone usually experience a less rapid weight regain—around 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
Explaining the Quick Rebound
Experts believe the mechanism of the jabs accounts for the heightened rebound.
These medications copy a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Long-term administration of the hormone levels far above than the body's typical production may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and may also diminish sensitivity to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Discontinuation of this GLP-1 'fix' results in hunger is no longer kept in check, making overeating a significant risk."
An Ongoing Condition?
Medical guidelines recommend the jabs for people with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals argue that, considering the high risk of relapse, the therapy might need to be long-term.
This opinion is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the findings "highlight the long-term character of obesity," comparing it to managing conditions like diabetes.
User Accounts
Individuals who have stopped the medication explain a sudden return of cravings.
"I experienced a trigger flipping and you're instantly starving," described a patient.
The struggle is worsened if individuals have not adopted lasting lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Growing Use
Recent estimates suggest that millions of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with desire remaining high.
- Adoption is more common among females compared to males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, experts caution that while these medications are effective tools for shedding pounds, they are not a magic solution and long-term success relies on ongoing behavioural changes.
