WEIGHT loss jabs have been hailed as revolutionary for tackling the obesity crisis for their significant results and potential to prevent obesity-related diseases.
But stopping the weight loss drugs often triggers a rapid return of lost pounds, say researchers.
There are three anti- obesity medications approved for use on the NHS for weight management alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity: orlistat, liraglutide, and semaglutide.
Additionally, tirzepatide (Mounjaro) is available through specialist NHS clinics and to purchase privately.
But recent research indicates many patients regain weight in as little as eight weeks after stopping taking these drugs.
A meta-analysis published in BMC Medicine examined data from 11 randomised clinical trials involving patients who had taken weight loss drugs.
While the amount of weight regain differed between medications , there was a consistent pattern of weight coming back after the course of treatment ended.
Researchers Xiaoling Cai and Linong Ji, and their team, found the jabs were associated with significant weight loss while being used, followed by weight regain starting eight weeks after discontinuation, and weight regain continuing for an average of 20 weeks before plateauing.
The amount of weight regained depended on certain factors, including the type of medication taken by participants and the consistency of their lifestyle changes.
For example, those who completed a 36-week treatment of tirzepatide regained almost half the weight previously lost after switching to a placebo.
There were some limitations with the study – the authors noted the meta-analysis didn’t include studies of lifestyle interventions and bariatric surgery , reducing the degree to which different weight loss approaches could be compared.
They also noted weight regain has been reported with other weight loss methods, such as gastric bypass and vertical banded gastroplasty.
How to avoid weight regain…
To prevent weight regain after stopping weight loss injections, it’s crucial to maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep .
Focusing on long-term lifestyle changes rather than relying solely on medication is key.
When it comes to maintaining a balanced diet , prioritise whole, unprocessed foods – so focus on fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
Use tools like a free online calorie counter to get a sense of appropriate portions.
And avoid high-saturated fat, sugar and salt – processed foods often contain these, so limit them.
A regular exercise regime should incorporate both cardio and strength training to build muscle mass, which is important to for metabolism and weight management.
The general recommendation is to aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week.
Finding activities you enjoy can make it easier to stay consistent.
Insufficient sleep can lead to increased cravings, so aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night.
Establishing a consistent sleep schedule and creating a relaxing bedtime routine can help.
Stress can lead to overeating and weight gain, so finding healthy ways to cope with it is key.
You may want to consider stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation, or spending time in nature.
If you’re struggling to achieve weight loss while on fat jabs, it could be that you’re making the following mistakes below…
The 7 fat jab mistakes stopping you losing weight
WHILE weight loss jabs have been hailed as a breakthrough in helping tackle Britain’s obesity crisis, some users say they’re missing out on their waist-shrinking powers – and it could be down to some simple mistakes…
POOR PENMANSHIP
Many people don’t correctly use the injection pen, according to Ana Carolina Goncalves, a pharmacist at Pharmica in Holborn, London.
Make sure to prime your weight loss pen correctly, as per the instructions. If nothing comes out, try again, and if it still doesn’t work, switch the needle or ask a pharmacist for help.
It’s also recommended to rotate injection sites between the abdomen, thigh and upper arm to avoid small lumps of fat under the skin.
TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE
Make sure you’re using the jabs on the most effective day of your schedule.
For example, taking the jab right before a takeaway or party won’t stop you from indulging, says Jason Murphy, head of pharmacy and weight loss expert at Chemist4U.
Weight loss injections need time to build up in your system, so if you’re planning for a heavier weekend, inject your dose mid-week.
MAKING A MEAL OF IT
You may not feel the urge to overeat at mealtimes due to the jabs. But skipping meals altogether can backfire, says Dr David Huang, director of clinical innovation at weight loss service Voy.
If a person is extremely malnourished, their body goes into emergency conservation mode, where their metabolism slows down.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
A key mistake using weight loss jabs is not eating the right foods.
As well as cutting out sugary drinks and alcohol , Dr Vishal Aggarwal, Healthium Clinics recommends focusing on your protein intake.
DE-HYDRATION STATIONS
Dehydration is a common side effect of weight loss injections. But it’s important to say hydrated in order for your body to function properly.
Dr Crystal Wyllie, GP at Asda Online Doctor, says hydration supports metabolism, digestion, and can reduce side effects like headaches , nausea and constipation .
MOVE IT, MOVE IT
It can be easy to see the jabs as a quick fix, but stopping exercising altogether is a mistake, says Mital Thakrar, a pharmacist from Well Pharmacy.
Exercise helps maintain muscle mass and help shape the body as you lose weight, which may be crucial if you’re experiencing excess skin.
QUIT IT
While there’s the tendency to ditch the jabs as soon as you reach your desired weight, stopping them too soon can cause rapid regain.
Mr Thakrar recommends building habits like healthier eating during treatment for sustaining results.
