A recent study reveals that patients who stop using new slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on shed pounds much more quickly than those who halt traditional lifestyle programs.
Findings released in a leading health publication shows that while overweight people often shed substantial amounts of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the weight returns at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"Individuals using these treatments must be cognizant of the danger of rapid rebound weight gain when the treatment ends," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery means a reversion to pre-treatment mass within about one and a half years.
Analyzing Therapies
The research, which examined 37 of studies involving thousands of patients, contrasted the results of the injectable medications with other pills.
The team emphasize that individuals who lose weight through diet and exercise usually experience a more gradual creep back—around 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.
Explaining the Rapid Regain
Doctors suggest the way of the jabs accounts for the accelerated weight return.
The injections mimic a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of the hormone levels several times higher than the body's typical production might result in the system to produce less of its endogenous GLP-1, and could reduce sensitivity to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Discontinuation of this GLP-1 'fix' results in appetite is unsuppressed, making excessive eating a significant risk."
A Chronic Disease?
Health authorities advise the jabs for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals contend that, considering the high risk of relapse, the treatment might need to be long-term.
This opinion is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the findings "emphasize the persistent character of excess weight," akin to managing conditions like diabetes.
Patient Experiences
Users who have stopped the medication describe a powerful resurgence of appetite.
"I experienced a switch that goes on and I was suddenly extremely hungry," said a patient.
This challenge is compounded if patients have not established sustainable dietary or behavioural modifications during treatment.
Significant Adoption
Recent estimates suggest that a significant number of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with interest continuing to grow.
- Adoption is higher among women than men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Finally, researchers emphasize that while the jabs are powerful agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone cure and lasting health benefits hinges on integrated behavioural support.
