A recent study indicates that individuals who come off popular slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who end traditional diet and exercise regimens.
Findings released in a prominent health publication shows that while overweight people can lose substantial amounts of their total mass while on the medication, the weight returns at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"People using these treatments must be cognizant of the danger of fast weight regain when the treatment concludes," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain means a reversion to original weight within about 18 months.
Weighing Treatments
The research, which examined 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the results of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
Scientists point out that people who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone usually see a less rapid weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Rapid Regain
Experts believe the way of the injections explains the accelerated rebound.
The injections mimic a natural hormone called GLP-1, which controls hunger.
"Artificially providing the hormone concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and may also diminish responsiveness to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Discontinuation of this hormone supplement leads to hunger is no longer kept in check, making binge eating much more probable."
A Chronic Issue?
Medical guidelines advise the injections for people with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians say that, given the significant potential of weight regain, the therapy might need to be long-term.
This perspective is supported by drug manufacturers, who say that the findings "underscore the chronic nature of obesity," comparing it to managing conditions like hypertension.
Patient Experiences
People who have come off the medication explain a powerful return of hunger.
"It was like a trigger flipping and you become ravenous," said one woman.
This challenge is worsened if patients have not developed sustainable lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Widespread Adoption
Recent estimates indicate that millions of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with interest being substantial.
- Use is higher among females compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest level of interest.
- Many access the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, experts caution that while GLP-1 drugs are potent tools for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent cure and maintained weight loss hinges on combined lifestyle changes.
