New research reveals that individuals who come off popular slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain shed pounds much more quickly than those who end traditional diet and exercise plans.
Findings released in a prominent health publication points out that while overweight people often shed about a fifth of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the mass comes back at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"People purchasing such treatments should be informed of the danger of quick weight regain when the medication concludes," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery implies a return to starting mass in about one and a half years.
Analyzing Treatments
The study, which examined dozens of studies involving thousands of participants, contrasted the effects of these new drugs with older methods.
The team point out that people who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone generally experience a more gradual weight regain—around 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
The Reason for the Quick Regain
Nutrition scientists suggest the way of the injections accounts for the heightened regain.
These medications copy a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates appetite.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone levels several times higher than normal might result in the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and may also lessen responsiveness to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Withdrawal of this medication leads to appetite is unsuppressed, making binge eating a significant risk."
An Ongoing Disease?
Medical guidelines recommend the injections for people with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by recommended lifestyle changes.
Professionals argue that, given the high risk of relapse, the treatment should be considered life-long.
This perspective is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the results "highlight the persistent nature of excess weight," comparing it to managing conditions like diabetes.
User Accounts
Users who have come off the medication explain a sudden return of cravings.
"It felt as if a trigger activating and you're instantly extremely hungry," described an individual.
This challenge is worsened if individuals have not adopted sustainable lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Widespread Use
Figures indicate that a significant number of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with demand being substantial.
- Adoption is higher among females than males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, researchers caution that while the jabs are powerful agents for shedding pounds, they are not a magic fix and lasting health benefits hinges on ongoing behavioural support.
