New research reveals that patients who stop using popular slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt traditional lifestyle plans.
Research printed in a leading health publication shows that while obese individuals often shed about a fifth of their body weight while using the jabs, the mass comes back at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Users using such medications must be cognizant of the risk of quick weight regain when the medication concludes," stated researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery implies a return to starting weight in about one and a half years.
Analyzing Treatments
The study, which examined 37 of studies involving thousands of participants, compared the effects of these new drugs with older methods.
The team emphasize that people who shed pounds through diet and exercise typically see a slower creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Understanding the Rapid Regain
Nutrition scientists suggest the way of the jabs is key to understanding the accelerated regain.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate hunger.
"Long-term administration of the hormone concentrations several times higher than normal might result in the system to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and could lessen responsiveness to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' means appetite is unsuppressed, making binge eating much more probable."
A Chronic Condition?
The NHS advise the injections for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals argue that, given the significant potential of relapse, the therapy might need to be long-term.
This opinion is echoed by drug manufacturers, who note that the findings "highlight the persistent character of obesity," similar to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
Patient Experiences
Individuals who have discontinued the medication explain a sudden return of appetite.
"It was like a trigger activating and I was suddenly extremely hungry," said one woman.
This difficulty is compounded if patients have not developed lasting lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Widespread Interest
Survey data indicate that millions of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with desire being substantial.
- Adoption is greater among women than men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest level of interest.
- Many access the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, clinicians stress that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent solution and lasting health benefits likely depends on integrated lifestyle changes.