A recent study suggests that patients who come off popular slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on reduced body mass far faster than those who end traditional lifestyle programs.
Findings released in a leading medical journal shows that while obese individuals can lose about a fifth of their body weight while using the jabs, the weight comes back at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"People purchasing these drugs must be informed of the danger of fast weight regain when the medication ends," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain means a return to original weight within about 18 months.
Comparing Therapies
The analysis, which reviewed 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the outcomes of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
Scientists emphasize that individuals who shed pounds through dieting typically experience a slower creep back—perhaps 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
The Reason for the Rapid Rebound
Experts propose the way of the drugs explains the accelerated regain.
The injections imitate a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls hunger.
"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 may also reduce responsiveness to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to appetite is uncontrolled, making overeating far more likely."
An Ongoing Condition?
Health authorities suggest the injections for people with weight-linked health risks, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians argue that, considering the likelihood of relapse, the therapy is often ongoing.
This view is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the results "underscore the long-term nature of obesity," akin to managing diseases like diabetes.
Patient Experiences
Users who have come off the jabs explain a intense return of cravings.
"It was like a trigger activating and you're instantly starving," recalled an individual.
This challenge is worsened if patients have not adopted lasting dietary or behavioural modifications during treatment.
Widespread Interest
Survey data indicate that a significant number of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with demand remaining high.
- Use is more common among females than males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- Many access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, researchers caution that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent cure and long-term success relies on combined behavioural support.
