New research reveals that patients who come off new slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt traditional lifestyle regimens.
Published data in a leading health publication demonstrates that while obese people frequently drop about a fifth of their total mass while using the jabs, the weight returns at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"Individuals buying these drugs need to be aware of the potential of fast weight regain when the therapy is stopped," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain suggests a return to pre-treatment mass in about 18 months.
Weighing Approaches
The research, which reviewed dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the effects of the injectable medications with older methods.
Researchers note that individuals who shed pounds through diet and exercise usually experience a more gradual creep back—approximately 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Rapid Regain
Experts suggest the mechanism of the drugs explains the heightened rebound.
The injections imitate a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing the hormone concentrations far above than normal could lead to the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and could lessen responsiveness to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Discontinuation of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to hunger is uncontrolled, making excessive eating much more probable."
A Lifelong Condition?
The NHS advise the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
Professionals contend that, considering the high risk of relapse, the therapy should be considered long-term.
This perspective is echoed by drug manufacturers, who note that the results "emphasize the long-term nature of excess weight," comparing it to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Testimonies
Users who have stopped the medication describe a powerful return of hunger.
"It felt as if a trigger activating and I was suddenly extremely hungry," recalled an individual.
This challenge is worsened if patients have not adopted permanent dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Growing Use
Figures indicate that millions of people in the UK have tried these injections in the past year, with demand remaining high.
- Adoption is more common among females compared to males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, researchers caution that while GLP-1 drugs are potent agents for weight loss, they are not a magic fix and maintained weight loss likely depends on ongoing behavioural support.
