A recent study suggests that patients who come off new slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide tend to recover reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt conventional diet and exercise regimens.
Research printed in a major medical journal shows that while overweight people can lose about a fifth of their total mass while using the jabs, the weight returns at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"People purchasing such drugs must be informed of the risk of fast weight regain when the therapy ends," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain means a reversion to pre-treatment weight in about one and a half years.
Weighing Approaches
The research, which reviewed dozens of studies involving thousands of patients, compared the effects of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
Researchers emphasize that people who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone usually see a slower weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Explaining the Rapid Regain
Doctors propose the mechanism of the drugs is key to understanding the accelerated regain.
The injections imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 concentrations far above than normal could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also lessen sensitivity to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement leads to hunger is no longer kept in check, making excessive eating far more likely."
A Lifelong Condition?
Health authorities advise the injections for individuals with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals contend that, considering the significant potential of weight regain, the treatment should be considered long-term.
This opinion is supported by drug manufacturers, who state that the results "emphasize the long-term character of excess weight," akin to managing diseases like diabetes.
User Accounts
Users who have stopped the jabs report a powerful return of hunger.
"I experienced a trigger flipping and you're instantly ravenous," recalled a patient.
The struggle is worsened if individuals have not adopted lasting lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Widespread Use
Recent estimates show that millions of adults in the UK have tried these injections in the past year, with interest continuing to grow.
- Use is greater among women than men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many access the medications through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Finally, researchers stress that while these medications are powerful tools for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone fix and long-term success likely depends on combined lifestyle changes.
