New research indicates that people who stop using new slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who end conventional diet and exercise regimens.
Published data in a leading health publication shows that while obese individuals can lose about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the weight comes back at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Individuals buying such medications must be aware of the danger of rapid weight regain when the treatment ends," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery implies a return to original weight within about a year and a half.
Analyzing Approaches
The research, which looked at 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
Researchers point out that individuals who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone typically see a more gradual weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
Explaining the Quick Rebound
Nutrition scientists believe the mode of action of the drugs explains the accelerated rebound.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate hunger.
"Artificially providing the hormone concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production might result in the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and could diminish sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement results in appetite is uncontrolled, making excessive eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Disease?
Health authorities suggest the jabs for people with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by recommended lifestyle changes.
Professionals argue that, considering the high risk of weight regain, the therapy is often ongoing.
This view is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who note that the results "emphasize the chronic character of excess weight," comparing it to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Testimonies
Individuals who have discontinued the jabs report a sudden resurgence of hunger.
"It felt as if something flipping and you become ravenous," said one woman.
The struggle is exacerbated if individuals have not established sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Growing Adoption
Figures show that millions of people in the UK have tried these injections in the past year, with interest continuing to grow.
- Use is higher among women than males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, experts caution that while the jabs are powerful agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone solution and maintained weight loss relies on combined behavioural support.
