New research suggests that patients who come off new slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on lost weight far faster than those who end traditional diet and exercise regimens.
Research printed in a major health publication points out that while overweight individuals frequently drop a large proportion of their body weight while on the medication, the mass is regained at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"People buying these medications should be informed of the potential of rapid rebound weight gain when the medication is stopped," stated expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain suggests a reversion to pre-treatment weight within about a year and a half.
Weighing Treatments
The study, which looked at dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the effects of the injectable medications with other pills.
Scientists note that people who lose weight through diet and exercise generally have a slower weight regain—around 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
The Reason for the Fast Regain
Doctors believe the mechanism of the injections is key to understanding the accelerated rebound.
GLP-1 drugs copy a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate hunger.
"Artificially providing the hormone levels several times higher than normal could lead to the body to produce less of its own natural hormone, and may also lessen responsiveness to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to hunger is uncontrolled, making excessive eating much more probable."
A Chronic Issue?
The NHS recommend the jabs for people with obesity-related health risks, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
Many experts contend that, given the significant potential of weight regain, the treatment might need to be ongoing.
This perspective is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the results "highlight the persistent character of obesity," similar to managing diseases like diabetes.
User Testimonies
Individuals who have discontinued the medication describe a intense return of cravings.
"It felt as if something that goes on and I was suddenly extremely hungry," described a patient.
This challenge is worsened if users have not established sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Growing Interest
Recent estimates suggest that millions of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with desire continuing to grow.
- Use is higher among females compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, researchers caution that while the jabs are effective tools for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent fix and maintained weight loss hinges on combined behavioural management.
