A recent study indicates that patients who stop using popular slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop traditional diet and exercise plans.
Findings released in a prominent health publication shows that while obese people can lose about a fifth of their total mass while using the jabs, the mass returns at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"Users using these drugs should be informed of the potential of rapid rebound weight gain when the medication concludes," stated expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain means a reversion to pre-treatment weight within about a year and a half.
Weighing Treatments
The research, which looked at 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the results of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
Scientists note that people who shed pounds through diet and exercise usually see a less rapid weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
Understanding the Fast Rebound
Nutrition scientists suggest the mechanism of the drugs explains the heightened rebound.
GLP-1 drugs copy a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls appetite.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 concentrations far above than the body's typical production could lead to the body to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and could lessen sensitivity to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' means appetite is uncontrolled, making overeating a significant risk."
A Lifelong Condition?
Health authorities advise the jabs for people with obesity-related health risks, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts argue that, given the significant potential of relapse, the treatment might need to be long-term.
This perspective is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the findings "emphasize the long-term character of obesity," akin to managing conditions like diabetes.
User Accounts
People who have come off the medication report a sudden resurgence of cravings.
"It was like a trigger activating and you're instantly extremely hungry," described one woman.
The struggle is compounded if individuals have not developed lasting lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Growing Use
Survey data suggest that millions of adults in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with interest being substantial.
- Use is greater among females than men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many obtain the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, clinicians caution that while these medications are powerful tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent cure and maintained weight loss likely depends on ongoing behavioural management.
