A recent study indicates that people who stop using new slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide tend to recover lost weight far faster than those who end conventional lifestyle plans.
Research printed in a leading medical journal points out that while overweight people frequently drop substantial amounts of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the weight returns at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"Users purchasing such drugs must be aware of the potential of rapid rebound weight gain when the medication concludes," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery implies a return to pre-treatment weight in about 18 months.
Weighing Approaches
The study, which examined dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the results of these new drugs with older methods.
Researchers emphasize that individuals who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone generally see a less rapid creep back—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Explaining the Quick Regain
Doctors propose the mechanism of the jabs explains the amplified weight return.
GLP-1 drugs copy a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of the hormone concentrations far above than normal could lead to the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and may also lessen responsiveness to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Discontinuation of this hormone supplement results in hunger is uncontrolled, making overeating far more likely."
A Chronic Condition?
Medical guidelines recommend the injections for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by recommended lifestyle changes.
Professionals contend that, due to the high risk of weight regain, the therapy should be considered long-term.
This view is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the findings "emphasize the long-term character of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like diabetes.
Patient Experiences
Users who have stopped the medication report a intense return of cravings.
"It was like something flipping and you're instantly starving," said a patient.
This challenge is worsened if users have not adopted permanent lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Widespread Use
Figures indicate that millions of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with desire remaining high.
- Use is more common among females than men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, researchers caution that while the jabs are powerful tools for shedding pounds, they are not a magic solution and maintained weight loss relies on combined lifestyle management.
