A recent study reveals that people who come off popular slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt traditional diet and exercise plans.
Findings released in a prominent medical journal shows that while overweight people can lose substantial amounts of their total mass while using the jabs, the mass is regained at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"Individuals using such medications must be cognizant of the risk of fast rebound weight gain when the treatment concludes," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery means a reversion to pre-treatment mass in about a year and a half.
Analyzing Approaches
The analysis, which looked at dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the results of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
Scientists emphasize that individuals who lose weight through diet and exercise usually see a slower creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
Understanding the Quick Rebound
Nutrition scientists believe the mechanism of the injections accounts for the amplified rebound.
The injections mimic a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing the hormone levels several times higher than normal may cause the body to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and could diminish sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' results in hunger is unsuppressed, making excessive eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Issue?
Medical guidelines advise the injections for people with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians argue that, considering the significant potential of relapse, the therapy might need to be life-long.
This perspective is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the findings "highlight the long-term character of excess weight," comparing it to managing diseases like diabetes.
User Testimonies
Users who have come off the medication report a intense resurgence of appetite.
"It was like a trigger flipping and you become ravenous," described a patient.
The struggle is compounded if patients have not adopted lasting lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Growing Adoption
Survey data indicate that millions of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand continuing to grow.
- Use is more common among females than males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- Many access the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Finally, clinicians emphasize that while GLP-1 drugs are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent solution and lasting health benefits likely depends on combined behavioural support.
