Fresh analysis suggests that individuals who discontinue blockbuster slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide tend to recover lost weight far faster than those who stop traditional lifestyle plans.
Findings released in a major medical journal demonstrates that while overweight people frequently drop a large proportion of their total mass while using the jabs, the mass is regained at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"People using these treatments must be informed of the danger of fast weight regain when the treatment is stopped," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain implies a return to starting mass in about a year and a half.
Analyzing Therapies
The analysis, which reviewed 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the effects of these new drugs with other pills.
Researchers point out that people who shed pounds through dieting generally have a less rapid creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Understanding the Fast Rebound
Doctors suggest the mechanism of the jabs accounts for the accelerated regain.
These medications mimic a natural hormone called GLP-1, which controls hunger.
"Long-term administration of the hormone concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and could diminish sensitivity to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' results in appetite is uncontrolled, making binge eating much more probable."
A Lifelong Disease?
The NHS suggest the injections for people with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals say that, given the high risk of relapse, the therapy might need to be long-term.
This opinion is echoed by drug manufacturers, who note that the results "underscore the persistent character of obesity," comparing it to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
User Experiences
Users who have discontinued the medication explain a intense resurgence of hunger.
"I experienced a switch flipping and you become starving," described one woman.
This difficulty is compounded if patients have not adopted lasting dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Growing Use
Recent estimates indicate that millions of people in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with desire continuing to grow.
- Use is more common among females compared to men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, clinicians stress that while these medications are powerful agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent fix and maintained weight loss hinges on ongoing behavioural support.
