A recent study suggests that patients who come off new slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on reduced body mass much more quickly than those who halt conventional lifestyle programs.
Published data in a leading health publication points out that while overweight people often shed a large proportion of their body weight while on the medication, the weight returns at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"Users purchasing such treatments need to be informed of the potential of rapid weight regain when the treatment concludes," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain means a return to pre-treatment mass in about one and a half years.
Comparing Treatments
The analysis, which examined dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the outcomes of the injectable medications with older methods.
The team emphasize that people who shed pounds through dieting generally experience a more gradual weight regain—around 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
Understanding the Rapid Regain
Nutrition scientists suggest the mechanism of the drugs accounts for the amplified weight return.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which moderates hunger.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone levels several times higher than normal might result in the system to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and could diminish responsiveness to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Discontinuation of this hormone supplement means hunger is unsuppressed, making binge eating much more probable."
A Lifelong Issue?
The NHS advise the jabs for people with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals say that, due to the likelihood of relapse, the therapy is often life-long.
This opinion is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who note that the results "underscore the long-term nature of excess weight," comparing it to managing diseases like diabetes.
User Experiences
Individuals who have discontinued the medication report a sudden resurgence of appetite.
"It felt as if a switch that goes on and you're instantly extremely hungry," described one woman.
The struggle is exacerbated if individuals have not adopted permanent dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Significant Use
Figures indicate that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with desire continuing to grow.
- Adoption is greater among women compared to males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest usage rates.
- Many obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, experts stress that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful tools for weight loss, they are not a magic cure and maintained weight loss likely depends on integrated lifestyle changes.
