Fresh analysis suggests that people who discontinue new slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop traditional lifestyle programs.
Published data in a major health publication demonstrates that while obese individuals often shed about a fifth of their total mass while on the medication, the weight is regained at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"People purchasing such medications must be cognizant of the risk of fast weight regain when the therapy ends," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain means a return to original weight within about 18 months.
Analyzing Therapies
The study, which examined dozens of studies involving thousands of patients, compared the results of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
The team point out that individuals who shed pounds through dieting usually see a more gradual creep back—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
The Reason for the Rapid Regain
Nutrition scientists suggest the mechanism of the injections explains the heightened rebound.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone called GLP-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 concentrations far above than the body's typical production might result in the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and may also reduce sensitivity to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Discontinuation of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to hunger is unsuppressed, making overeating much more probable."
A Lifelong Disease?
Health authorities recommend the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals argue that, considering the significant potential of weight regain, the treatment is often ongoing.
This view is echoed by drug manufacturers, who say that the findings "underscore the persistent character of excess weight," similar to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Accounts
People who have come off the medication explain a intense resurgence of cravings.
"It felt as if a trigger activating and you're instantly starving," recalled one woman.
The struggle is worsened if individuals have not developed permanent lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Growing Adoption
Survey data indicate that a significant number of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand remaining high.
- Adoption is higher among women compared to males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Finally, researchers emphasize that while the jabs are potent agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone fix and maintained weight loss relies on integrated behavioural changes.
