Fresh analysis suggests that patients who come off popular slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide tend to recover lost weight far faster than those who halt conventional lifestyle regimens.
Research printed in a leading health publication shows that while obese people can lose about a fifth of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the mass is regained at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"Individuals using such medications must be aware of the risk of quick weight regain when the therapy is stopped," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery suggests a return to original mass within about one and a half years.
Weighing Treatments
The research, which looked at dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the results of the injectable medications with other pills.
Researchers point out that individuals who lose weight through diet and exercise usually see a less rapid creep back—around 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.
Understanding the Quick Regain
Experts propose the way of the injections is key to understanding the heightened rebound.
These medications imitate a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone concentrations several times higher than normal could lead to the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and may also reduce responsiveness to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement leads to appetite is no longer kept in check, making overeating much more probable."
A Chronic Disease?
The NHS recommend the injections for individuals with weight-linked health risks, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals say that, considering the likelihood of relapse, the therapy is often ongoing.
This opinion is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who state that the findings "highlight the chronic nature of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like hypertension.
Patient Accounts
People who have stopped the medication describe a powerful resurgence of cravings.
"It felt as if a switch activating and you become extremely hungry," described a patient.
This difficulty is worsened if individuals have not developed permanent lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Significant Use
Recent estimates indicate that millions of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with demand being substantial.
- Use is greater among women compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, clinicians caution that while the jabs are potent tools for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent fix and long-term success relies on combined behavioural management.
