New research by the British Medical Journal revealed that people on weight-loss jabs regain their former body weight within a year and a half on average. For the estimated 1.6 million Britons who have used weight-loss injections in the past year, this will come as worrying news.
That is why Dr Rupa Parmar, GP and Medical Director of Midland Health, is sharing her advice for those coming off weight-loss jabs, to reap the benefits for as long as possible.
Dr Rupa Parmar said: “The risk with coming off weight-loss jabs is that your body becomes dependent on the hormone they produce. The GLP-1 hormone from the jabs regulates hunger by slowing down the digestion process. When you stop taking it, your body may struggle to naturally produce enough GLP-1 to continue with the same progress of weight loss. It’s then easy to feel hungrier than usual and overeat.
“While this process can happen with any type of weight loss regime, the new research from the British Medical Journal highlights that those on weight-loss jabs are 4x as likely to regain their lost weight as those on traditional diets. But the last thing we want is for people to become dependent on weight-loss medication to keep their weight off. The good news is that there are ways to manage your weight after stopping.
“Keeping to an exercise plan and focusing on making healthy, balanced diet choices, as you would whilst on the medication, is crucial. Focus on filling foods such as proteins and carbohydrates to avoid feeling the need to eat quickly after meals.
“Cravings may return as your blood sugar becomes less controlled, but it’s possible to beat them by staying hydrated, not skipping meals, getting more sleep, and being mindful of your body and brain after eating.
“It’s important to understand that some weight may return after stopping medication, but it shouldn’t be seen as a failure. Gaining weight back can lead to a lack of motivation or increased stress, so be extra kind and patient with yourself during this time.
“Weight loss is also a mental process, so it’s important to reach out for help to a professional or a support group if you’re struggling or anxious about regaining weight. Stress eating, binge eating, or routinely eating too little, for example, can be talked through with a professional. Addressing underlying emotions that may be affecting your weight loss journey is crucial for success after you stop medication.
“For some people, returning to a very low dose may be the most appropriate way forward. This can help prevent a ‘rebound effect’ where your cravings feel too intense to manage, and gives your body and brain more time to adjust to your new weight.”
