Fresh analysis suggests that people who come off popular slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who end conventional diet and exercise plans.
Research printed in a prominent medical journal demonstrates that while obese people often shed a large proportion of their total mass while on the medication, the mass returns at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Individuals using these medications need to be informed of the risk of fast weight regain when the treatment concludes," stated researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery suggests a return to pre-treatment weight within about one and a half years.
Comparing Treatments
The study, which looked at 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the outcomes of the injectable medications with other pills.
Researchers note that individuals who lose weight through diet and exercise generally have a slower weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Explaining the Rapid Rebound
Nutrition scientists propose the way of the jabs accounts for the heightened weight return.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing the hormone concentrations several times higher than normal could lead to the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and may also diminish responsiveness to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Discontinuation of this hormone supplement results in appetite is unsuppressed, making binge eating much more probable."
A Lifelong Condition?
Health authorities advise the injections for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
Professionals contend that, due to the high risk of weight regain, the treatment might need to be long-term.
This view is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the results "highlight the chronic character of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like diabetes.
User Experiences
People who have come off the medication explain a intense return of cravings.
"It was like a trigger that goes on and I was suddenly ravenous," said one woman.
The struggle is exacerbated if individuals have not adopted permanent lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Widespread Interest
Survey data suggest that a significant number of adults in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with interest remaining high.
- Adoption is more common among females compared to men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Finally, researchers caution that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent cure and lasting health benefits likely depends on ongoing lifestyle support.
