Fresh analysis indicates that people who discontinue blockbuster slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain reduced body mass far faster than those who stop conventional diet and exercise plans.
Research printed in a leading medical journal shows that while obese individuals frequently drop a large proportion of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the weight comes back at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"People using such treatments must be aware of the danger of quick weight regain when the therapy concludes," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery means a reversion to original mass in about a year and a half.
Comparing Treatments
The study, which looked at 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the outcomes of the injectable medications with other pills.
Scientists point out that people who shed pounds through dieting typically have a more gradual creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Understanding the Quick Regain
Experts believe the way of the jabs explains the accelerated rebound.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 levels far above than normal may cause the system to produce less of its own natural hormone, and may also diminish sensitivity to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement results in hunger is unsuppressed, making overeating much more probable."
A Lifelong Issue?
The NHS advise the jabs for people with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts argue that, given the likelihood of relapse, the treatment is often life-long.
This view is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the findings "highlight the long-term character of obesity," comparing it to managing conditions like diabetes.
User Experiences
People who have discontinued the medication report a sudden resurgence of appetite.
"I experienced a trigger that goes on and you're instantly starving," recalled one woman.
This challenge is worsened if individuals have not developed lasting dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Significant Use
Survey data suggest that a significant number of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with interest continuing to grow.
- Adoption is higher among females than men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, researchers emphasize that while the jabs are effective tools for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone fix and long-term success relies on combined lifestyle changes.
