New research suggests that people who stop using blockbuster slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who end traditional lifestyle plans.
Research printed in a prominent medical journal shows that while overweight individuals can lose a large proportion of their body weight while on the medication, the mass is regained at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"Individuals using such treatments need to be informed of the danger of rapid rebound weight gain when the medication concludes," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery suggests a return to starting mass within about a year and a half.
Analyzing Approaches
The analysis, which reviewed dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the outcomes of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
The team note that individuals who lose weight through dieting typically have a less rapid creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Quick Rebound
Nutrition scientists suggest the mode of action of the drugs accounts for the accelerated rebound.
These medications imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone levels several times higher than the body's typical production might result in the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and could reduce responsiveness to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' means appetite is unsuppressed, making excessive eating far more likely."
A Chronic Issue?
Health authorities advise the injections for people with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts say that, given the high risk of weight regain, the therapy might need to be ongoing.
This view is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the findings "underscore the chronic character of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like diabetes.
Patient Experiences
People who have come off the jabs report a powerful resurgence of appetite.
"I experienced a trigger flipping and you become starving," recalled a patient.
This challenge is compounded if individuals have not established permanent lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Widespread Use
Figures indicate that a significant number of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with desire being substantial.
- Adoption is higher among women compared to men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Ultimately, clinicians caution that while GLP-1 drugs are potent agents for shedding pounds, they are not a magic fix and lasting health benefits hinges on integrated lifestyle changes.
