New research suggests that individuals who stop using blockbuster slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide tend to recover reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop traditional diet and exercise plans.
Published data in a leading health publication demonstrates that while obese individuals can lose about a fifth of their body weight while using the jabs, the mass comes back at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"People purchasing such medications need to be cognizant of the risk of quick weight regain when the medication ends," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain implies a return to starting mass in about a year and a half.
Analyzing Therapies
The analysis, which looked at dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the effects of these new drugs with other pills.
The team note that people who shed pounds through dieting usually experience a less rapid weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Understanding the Quick Regain
Doctors believe the way of the jabs explains the amplified regain.
GLP-1 drugs copy a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which moderates feelings of fullness.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone concentrations far above than the body's typical production may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and could reduce responsiveness to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Discontinuation of this hormone supplement results in hunger is uncontrolled, making overeating far more likely."
An Ongoing Issue?
Medical guidelines advise the jabs for individuals with weight-linked health risks, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals argue that, given the significant potential of weight regain, the treatment is often ongoing.
This view is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the results "highlight the persistent character of obesity," akin to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Testimonies
People who have discontinued the medication describe a powerful resurgence of appetite.
"I experienced something activating and you're instantly extremely hungry," said an individual.
The struggle is compounded if patients have not adopted lasting dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Significant Use
Recent estimates indicate that a significant number of people in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with demand remaining high.
- Use is greater among women than men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
In conclusion, experts caution that while the jabs are potent tools for weight loss, they are not a standalone fix and maintained weight loss relies on combined lifestyle support.
