New research suggests that individuals who discontinue new slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide tend to recover reduced body mass far faster than those who halt conventional diet and exercise plans.
Research printed in a leading medical journal demonstrates that while overweight people often shed a large proportion of their body weight while on the medication, the weight returns at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"Users using these drugs must be informed of the danger of quick rebound weight gain when the medication ends," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain means a reversion to pre-treatment weight in about a year and a half.
Comparing Therapies
The study, which examined 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
Scientists point out that individuals who lose weight through diet and exercise usually see a slower weight regain—approximately 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
Explaining the Rapid Regain
Experts suggest the way of the jabs is key to understanding the accelerated regain.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 concentrations far above than normal might result in the body to produce less of its own natural hormone, and may also diminish sensitivity to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to hunger is no longer kept in check, making overeating much more probable."
A Chronic Disease?
The NHS recommend the injections for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals say that, due to the high risk of weight regain, the treatment should be considered long-term.
This view is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the results "highlight the persistent nature of excess weight," akin to managing diseases like hypertension.
User Accounts
People who have come off the medication report a sudden return of hunger.
"I experienced a trigger flipping and you become extremely hungry," said an individual.
This difficulty is worsened if individuals have not developed sustainable lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Widespread Use
Recent estimates suggest that millions of people in the UK have tried these injections in the past year, with desire remaining high.
- Adoption is higher among women compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Finally, experts caution that while the jabs are powerful agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone fix and maintained weight loss relies on ongoing behavioural changes.
