New research suggests that people who come off blockbuster slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain reduced body mass far faster than those who stop conventional lifestyle programs.
Findings released in a major medical journal demonstrates that while overweight individuals frequently drop about a fifth of their total mass while using the jabs, the weight returns at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"People buying these drugs must be cognizant of the risk of rapid rebound weight gain when the treatment ends," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain means a reversion to pre-treatment weight within about a year and a half.
Analyzing Treatments
The research, which examined dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the effects of these new drugs with other pills.
The team note that people who lose weight through dieting generally have a slower weight regain—around 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
The Reason for the Fast Regain
Doctors propose the mode of action of the jabs accounts for the heightened regain.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls hunger.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 concentrations far above than normal may cause the system to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and may also diminish sensitivity to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement leads to hunger is unsuppressed, making binge eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Condition?
Health authorities suggest the injections for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians say that, considering the likelihood of weight regain, the treatment should be considered long-term.
This view is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the results "emphasize the persistent character of excess weight," akin to managing conditions like diabetes.
User Accounts
People who have discontinued the jabs report a sudden return of cravings.
"I experienced a switch that goes on and you become starving," recalled a patient.
This difficulty is exacerbated if patients have not adopted permanent dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Significant Interest
Figures show that a significant number of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand remaining high.
- Use is higher among women than men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Finally, experts caution that while the jabs are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent solution and maintained weight loss likely depends on integrated behavioural management.
