Fresh analysis suggests 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 lifestyle programs.
Findings released in a leading health publication shows that while overweight individuals can lose about a fifth of their total mass while on the medication, the mass comes back at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Individuals using such treatments need to be cognizant of the risk of quick rebound weight gain when the medication ends," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain implies a reversion to pre-treatment mass in about one and a half years.
Weighing Approaches
The study, which looked at dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the outcomes of these new drugs with older methods.
Scientists emphasize that people who lose weight through dieting usually see a more gradual weight regain—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Understanding the Fast Rebound
Nutrition scientists suggest the mechanism of the injections explains the accelerated rebound.
These medications mimic a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 levels several times higher than the body's typical production might result in the body to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and could reduce responsiveness to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement leads to hunger is no longer kept in check, making overeating much more probable."
A Lifelong Issue?
Medical guidelines recommend the injections for people with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals argue that, due to the significant potential of weight regain, the therapy should be considered long-term.
This view is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who note that the findings "highlight the persistent nature of obesity," comparing it to managing diseases like diabetes.
User Accounts
Users who have come off the jabs describe a sudden return of cravings.
"It felt as if a trigger flipping and I was suddenly extremely hungry," described one woman.
This challenge is exacerbated if users have not established permanent dietary or behavioural modifications during treatment.
Significant Use
Survey data suggest that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand being substantial.
- Adoption is higher among females than men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- Many obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, clinicians caution that while GLP-1 drugs are potent tools for weight loss, they are not a magic fix and maintained weight loss relies on combined behavioural management.
