Fresh analysis indicates that patients who come off popular slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on lost weight much more quickly than those who stop conventional diet and exercise regimens.
Published data in a major medical journal demonstrates that while obese people frequently drop substantial amounts of their total mass while on the medication, the mass returns at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"Individuals using such medications must be informed of the danger of fast rebound weight gain when the therapy concludes," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery means a reversion to pre-treatment weight within about one and a half years.
Weighing Therapies
The research, which examined 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the effects of the injectable medications with other pills.
The team point out that people who shed pounds through dieting generally see a more gradual creep back—around 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
Explaining the Rapid Rebound
Experts propose the mode of action of the jabs accounts for the heightened regain.
These medications imitate a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates appetite.
"Artificially providing the hormone concentrations several times higher than normal could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and could diminish responsiveness to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement results in hunger is no longer kept in check, making overeating much more probable."
An Ongoing Condition?
Health authorities suggest the jabs for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals argue that, given the likelihood of weight regain, the therapy should be considered ongoing.
This opinion is echoed by drug manufacturers, who state that the results "underscore the chronic nature of excess weight," comparing it to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
Patient Accounts
Users who have come off the medication explain a intense resurgence of appetite.
"It felt as if a switch activating and you become ravenous," recalled an individual.
This challenge is exacerbated if patients have not established lasting dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Growing Adoption
Recent estimates show that a significant number of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with interest remaining high.
- Adoption is more common among females than males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- Many obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Finally, experts stress that while these medications are effective tools for shedding pounds, they are not a magic solution and lasting health benefits likely depends on ongoing lifestyle support.
