New research suggests that individuals who come off blockbuster slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on shed pounds far faster than those who stop conventional diet and exercise regimens.
Findings released in a leading medical journal shows that while overweight individuals often shed a large proportion of their total mass while on the medication, the mass is regained at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Individuals purchasing such drugs should be informed of the risk of fast weight regain when the therapy ends," stated expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain suggests a return to original mass in about a year and a half.
Comparing Approaches
The research, which looked at 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the results of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
Researchers emphasize that people who shed pounds through dieting typically experience a more gradual weight regain—perhaps 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
The Reason for the Fast Rebound
Doctors propose the mode of action of the drugs is key to understanding the accelerated regain.
The injections imitate a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates appetite.
"Artificially providing the hormone levels several times higher than the body's typical production could lead to the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and could reduce sensitivity to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Discontinuation of this medication leads to hunger is uncontrolled, making excessive eating far more likely."
A Lifelong Condition?
Medical guidelines recommend the injections for people with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals argue that, due to the high risk of relapse, the therapy might need to be life-long.
This opinion is supported by drug manufacturers, who note that the results "highlight the long-term character of obesity," similar to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
User Testimonies
People who have stopped the jabs explain a intense return of hunger.
"It was like a trigger flipping and I was suddenly extremely hungry," recalled one woman.
This difficulty is exacerbated if patients have not established permanent dietary or behavioural modifications during treatment.
Growing Interest
Recent estimates suggest that a significant number of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with demand continuing to grow.
- Use is higher among females compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Finally, experts caution that while the jabs are potent agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone fix and maintained weight loss relies on combined behavioural support.
