A recent study reveals that patients who stop using popular slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide tend to recover reduced body mass far faster than those who end conventional diet and exercise programs.
Research printed in a leading medical journal shows that while overweight people often shed about a fifth of their total mass while using the jabs, the mass returns at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"Users buying these treatments must be informed of the danger of rapid rebound weight gain when the treatment concludes," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain implies a return to starting mass within about 18 months.
Weighing Therapies
The research, which looked at 37 of studies involving thousands of participants, compared the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
Researchers note that individuals who shed pounds through dieting usually have a less rapid weight regain—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Fast Rebound
Nutrition scientists propose the mode of action of the injections explains the accelerated rebound.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls appetite.
"Long-term administration of the hormone concentrations several times higher than normal could lead to the body to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and could reduce responsiveness to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement results in hunger is no longer kept in check, making excessive eating a significant risk."
An Ongoing Disease?
The NHS recommend the injections for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by recommended lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians argue that, due to the significant potential of relapse, the treatment is often ongoing.
This opinion is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the results "underscore the persistent character of excess weight," akin to managing diseases like hypertension.
Patient Accounts
Individuals who have stopped the medication report a sudden resurgence of hunger.
"It felt as if a trigger that goes on and you're instantly extremely hungry," described one woman.
The struggle is exacerbated if users have not established permanent lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Widespread Adoption
Recent estimates indicate that a significant number of people in the UK have tried these injections in the past year, with demand being substantial.
- Adoption is more common among women compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, researchers caution that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful tools for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone cure and lasting health benefits likely depends on ongoing lifestyle changes.
