A recent study reveals that people who stop using popular slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who end traditional diet and exercise programs.
Findings released in a major health publication points out that while overweight people often shed about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the weight is regained at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"Individuals using such drugs must be informed of the danger of quick rebound weight gain when the treatment is stopped," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery implies a reversion to pre-treatment mass within about one and a half years.
Weighing Approaches
The study, which looked at 37 of studies involving thousands of participants, contrasted the effects of GLP-1 agonists with other pills.
The team emphasize that people who shed pounds through dieting typically experience a more gradual weight regain—perhaps 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Fast Regain
Experts suggest the way of the injections is key to understanding the accelerated regain.
The injections mimic a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls hunger.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone levels far above than normal may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and could diminish responsiveness to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement leads to hunger is uncontrolled, making overeating a significant risk."
An Ongoing Disease?
The NHS advise the jabs for individuals with weight-linked health risks, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
Many experts say that, considering the high risk of relapse, the therapy should be considered life-long.
This view is echoed by drug manufacturers, who say that the findings "highlight the long-term character of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
Patient Testimonies
Users who have stopped the jabs report a powerful resurgence of appetite.
"It felt as if a trigger flipping and I was suddenly starving," recalled one woman.
The struggle is compounded if individuals have not adopted permanent dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Widespread Adoption
Recent estimates indicate that a significant number of people in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with demand remaining high.
- Use is higher among females compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- Many access the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, researchers stress that while the jabs are effective tools for shedding pounds, they are not a magic cure and long-term success hinges on ongoing lifestyle changes.
