Fresh analysis reveals that individuals who come off popular slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide tend to recover shed pounds much more quickly than those who halt conventional lifestyle plans.
Research printed in a leading health publication points out that while overweight individuals frequently drop about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the mass comes back at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"Individuals purchasing such treatments should be informed of the danger of quick weight regain when the treatment ends," stated expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery suggests a reversion to original mass in about a year and a half.
Comparing Approaches
The analysis, which looked at 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the outcomes of the injectable medications with other pills.
The team emphasize that people who shed pounds through dieting usually see a more gradual creep back—approximately 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
The Reason for the Rapid Regain
Experts propose the way of the injections is key to understanding the heightened weight return.
These medications imitate a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates appetite.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than normal might result in the body to produce less of its own natural hormone, and may also diminish responsiveness to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' results in hunger is unsuppressed, making excessive eating much more probable."
A Chronic Disease?
The NHS suggest the jabs for individuals with obesity-related health risks, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts argue that, considering the significant potential of weight regain, the therapy might need to be long-term.
This opinion is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "highlight the persistent nature of obesity," comparing it to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Accounts
People who have stopped the medication report a sudden resurgence of appetite.
"It felt as if something activating and you become extremely hungry," recalled a patient.
The struggle is compounded if patients have not adopted sustainable lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Growing Interest
Figures indicate that a significant number of people in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with desire being substantial.
- Use is greater among females compared to men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Finally, clinicians caution that while the jabs are powerful agents for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone fix and lasting health benefits hinges on ongoing behavioural changes.
