A recent study suggests that people who stop using new slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on lost weight much more quickly than those who end conventional diet and exercise programs.
Published data in a leading health publication shows that while overweight individuals often shed substantial amounts of their body weight while using the jabs, the weight returns at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"People using such drugs should be cognizant of the risk of quick weight regain when the treatment ends," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain suggests a reversion to pre-treatment mass within about one and a half years.
Comparing Approaches
The research, which looked at 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the outcomes of these new drugs with older methods.
Researchers point out that people who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone generally experience a less rapid weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Understanding the Fast Rebound
Nutrition scientists propose the mode of action of the injections accounts for the heightened weight return.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than normal could lead to the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and could reduce sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' means hunger is unsuppressed, making binge eating far more likely."
A Chronic Issue?
Medical guidelines suggest the injections for people with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals say that, considering the significant potential of relapse, the treatment is often long-term.
This perspective is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who state that the findings "highlight the persistent nature of excess weight," akin to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Experiences
Individuals who have stopped the jabs report a intense return of appetite.
"It was like a trigger that goes on and I was suddenly starving," said an individual.
This challenge is compounded if individuals have not developed lasting lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Growing Adoption
Survey data indicate that millions of adults in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with desire continuing to grow.
- Adoption is greater among females than males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the medications through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Ultimately, clinicians stress that while these medications are effective tools for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone solution and lasting health benefits likely depends on ongoing lifestyle management.
