Fresh analysis reveals that patients who stop using popular slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on lost weight far faster than those who stop traditional diet and exercise plans.
Findings released in a major medical journal demonstrates that while obese people frequently drop a large proportion of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the mass is regained at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"Users using such medications must be cognizant of the risk of fast rebound weight gain when the therapy ends," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain implies a return to pre-treatment mass within about a year and a half.
Analyzing Therapies
The study, which examined dozens of trials involving thousands of participants, contrasted the outcomes of these new drugs with older methods.
Scientists emphasize that individuals who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone usually have a more gradual creep back—approximately 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Fast Rebound
Nutrition scientists believe the way of the jabs explains the amplified weight return.
GLP-1 drugs copy a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls hunger.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 levels several times higher than normal may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and could diminish responsiveness to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' results in hunger is unsuppressed, making binge eating a significant risk."
A Lifelong Condition?
Health authorities suggest the jabs for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts argue that, due to the significant potential of relapse, the treatment should be considered long-term.
This view is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "emphasize the persistent character of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like diabetes.
User Accounts
Users who have discontinued the medication describe a powerful return of cravings.
"It felt as if something flipping and you become starving," recalled an individual.
The struggle is exacerbated if users have not developed permanent lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Widespread Use
Recent estimates indicate that a significant number of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with desire continuing to grow.
- Adoption is higher among women compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
In conclusion, experts caution that while the jabs are effective agents for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent cure and lasting health benefits hinges on combined lifestyle changes.
