New research indicates that individuals who discontinue popular slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide tend to recover reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop conventional diet and exercise plans.
Findings released in a major medical journal shows that while overweight individuals frequently drop a large proportion of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the mass returns at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"Users buying such drugs must be aware of the risk of fast rebound weight gain when the medication is stopped," stated researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery implies a reversion to starting mass within about one and a half years.
Analyzing Therapies
The study, which reviewed dozens of studies involving thousands of participants, compared the effects of the injectable medications with other pills.
Researchers point out that people who lose weight through diet and exercise generally experience a less rapid creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Explaining the Quick Rebound
Nutrition scientists believe the mode of action of the injections accounts for the accelerated rebound.
The injections copy a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates feelings of fullness.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 concentrations far above than normal may cause the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and could diminish responsiveness to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' results in appetite is unsuppressed, making binge eating far more likely."
A Lifelong Disease?
The NHS recommend the jabs for people with obesity-related health risks, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts contend that, considering the likelihood of relapse, the therapy is often life-long.
This perspective is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the findings "emphasize the persistent character of obesity," comparing it to managing diseases like diabetes.
User Testimonies
Users who have discontinued the medication explain a powerful resurgence of appetite.
"I experienced a trigger activating and I was suddenly starving," described a patient.
This challenge is exacerbated if users have not established sustainable lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Significant Adoption
Figures indicate that millions of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand being substantial.
- Adoption is more common among women compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Finally, clinicians caution that while the jabs are effective tools for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent solution and lasting health benefits likely depends on ongoing behavioural support.
