Fresh analysis indicates that people who stop using popular slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who end conventional lifestyle programs.
Published data in a prominent medical journal demonstrates that while overweight people often shed substantial amounts of their body weight while using the jabs, the weight comes back at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"People using such treatments must be informed of the danger of rapid rebound weight gain when the therapy is stopped," stated expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain means a return to pre-treatment mass in about a year and a half.
Analyzing Therapies
The study, which examined 37 of studies involving thousands of participants, contrasted the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
Researchers note that people who lose weight through dieting typically see a more gradual creep back—around 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
The Reason for the Rapid Rebound
Doctors propose the mechanism of the drugs is key to understanding the heightened weight return.
The injections copy a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates hunger.
"Long-term administration of the hormone levels far above than the body's typical production could lead to the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and may also reduce responsiveness to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Withdrawal of this medication leads to appetite is no longer kept in check, making overeating much more probable."
An Ongoing Issue?
Medical guidelines recommend the injections for people with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians argue that, considering the likelihood of weight regain, the therapy is often ongoing.
This view is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "highlight the chronic nature of obesity," similar to managing diseases like diabetes.
User Experiences
Individuals who have discontinued the medication report a sudden return of appetite.
"I experienced a trigger activating and you're instantly ravenous," described a patient.
This difficulty is exacerbated if patients have not established lasting lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Widespread Adoption
Survey data suggest that millions of adults in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with interest continuing to grow.
- Adoption is more common among females than men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Ultimately, clinicians emphasize that while the jabs are powerful agents for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone solution and lasting health benefits relies on ongoing lifestyle support.
