New research reveals that people who come off blockbuster slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide tend to recover lost weight far faster than those who stop conventional lifestyle plans.
Research printed in a leading health publication points out that while obese individuals can lose about a fifth of their body weight while using the jabs, the weight comes back at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"Users buying these treatments need to be aware of the risk of fast weight regain when the treatment concludes," stated expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery implies a return to pre-treatment weight within about 18 months.
Weighing Treatments
The research, which examined 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the outcomes of the injectable medications with other pills.
Scientists note that people who lose weight through diet and exercise typically have a less rapid creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Explaining the Rapid Rebound
Nutrition scientists believe the mode of action of the injections explains the accelerated weight return.
These medications imitate a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates hunger.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 concentrations far above than the body's typical production could lead to the body to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and may also lessen responsiveness to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' results in hunger is no longer kept in check, making excessive eating a significant risk."
An Ongoing Disease?
The NHS advise the jabs for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts argue that, due to the significant potential of weight regain, the treatment might need to be ongoing.
This view is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "highlight the chronic character of excess weight," comparing it to managing conditions like hypertension.
User Testimonies
People who have come off the jabs describe a powerful return of cravings.
"It felt as if a trigger activating and I was suddenly extremely hungry," recalled a patient.
This difficulty is worsened if individuals have not adopted lasting lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Significant Adoption
Recent estimates suggest that a significant number of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with desire continuing to grow.
- Adoption is more common among women than men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest level of interest.
- Many obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Ultimately, researchers caution that while the jabs are effective tools for shedding pounds, they are not a magic fix and maintained weight loss hinges on ongoing lifestyle changes.
