Fresh analysis reveals that individuals who come off popular slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on shed pounds much more quickly than those who stop traditional diet and exercise plans.
Published data in a prominent health publication demonstrates that while obese individuals can lose about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the weight is regained at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"Individuals purchasing these treatments need to be informed of the danger of fast weight regain when the treatment is stopped," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery suggests a return to original mass within about one and a half years.
Weighing Treatments
The study, which examined 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the results of the injectable medications with older methods.
Scientists point out that people who lose weight through diet and exercise usually have a less rapid weight regain—approximately 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
Understanding the Rapid Regain
Nutrition scientists believe the mechanism of the injections accounts for the accelerated regain.
These medications imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which moderates feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 levels far above than normal could lead to the system to produce less of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also reduce responsiveness to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' means appetite is uncontrolled, making excessive eating much more probable."
A Lifelong Disease?
The NHS suggest the jabs for people with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals say that, given the high risk of weight regain, the treatment is often life-long.
This perspective is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the results "underscore the chronic character of excess weight," akin to managing diseases like diabetes.
Patient Experiences
Individuals who have come off the jabs describe a sudden return of hunger.
"It was like a trigger flipping and I was suddenly extremely hungry," recalled a patient.
The struggle is exacerbated if individuals have not adopted permanent lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Widespread Use
Recent estimates suggest that a significant number of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with interest continuing to grow.
- Use is higher among females than males.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest level of interest.
- Many access the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Ultimately, researchers emphasize that while GLP-1 drugs are potent tools for weight loss, they are not a standalone fix and long-term success likely depends on combined behavioural changes.
