A recent study suggests that individuals who stop using popular slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain shed pounds far faster than those who end conventional lifestyle regimens.
Findings released in a prominent medical journal demonstrates that while overweight people often shed a large proportion of their body weight while using the jabs, the weight returns at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"People buying such treatments must be informed of the risk of quick rebound weight gain when the treatment ends," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain implies a reversion to original weight in about a year and a half.
Weighing Approaches
The research, which reviewed 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the effects of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
Scientists emphasize that people who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone generally see a more gradual weight regain—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
Explaining the Quick Regain
Doctors suggest the way of the drugs explains the accelerated rebound.
The injections imitate a natural hormone called GLP-1, which moderates appetite.
"Long-term administration of the hormone concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production could lead to the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and could reduce responsiveness to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Stopping of this medication means hunger is uncontrolled, making binge eating much more probable."
A Lifelong Issue?
The NHS suggest the jabs for people with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by recommended lifestyle changes.
Professionals argue that, given the likelihood of relapse, the therapy should be considered life-long.
This opinion is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the results "highlight the long-term character of obesity," akin to managing conditions like diabetes.
User Accounts
Users who have come off the medication report a powerful resurgence of cravings.
"It felt as if a trigger that goes on and you're instantly ravenous," recalled an individual.
This challenge is exacerbated if users have not developed permanent lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Growing Interest
Survey data indicate that millions of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with interest remaining high.
- Use is higher among females compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Ultimately, researchers caution that while these medications are effective tools for shedding pounds, they are not a magic solution and lasting health benefits hinges on ongoing lifestyle management.
