A recent study reveals that patients who discontinue new slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who end conventional lifestyle regimens.
Research printed in a leading medical journal points out that while obese people frequently drop a large proportion of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the weight comes back at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"People using such medications must be informed of the danger of fast rebound weight gain when the therapy concludes," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery suggests a return to original weight within about one and a half years.
Weighing Treatments
The study, which looked at 37 of studies involving thousands of participants, compared the results of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
Scientists point out that people who shed pounds through dieting typically experience a more gradual creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Explaining the Quick Regain
Nutrition scientists propose the mode of action of the injections explains the heightened weight return.
These medications copy a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate hunger.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone concentrations far above than the body's typical production might result in the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and could diminish responsiveness to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Stopping of this medication results in appetite is unsuppressed, making overeating far more likely."
A Lifelong Condition?
Health authorities suggest the injections for individuals with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians argue that, due to the significant potential of relapse, the treatment should be considered life-long.
This perspective is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the results "highlight the persistent character of excess weight," similar to managing diseases like diabetes.
Patient Accounts
Individuals who have come off the jabs report a intense return of appetite.
"I experienced a trigger activating and you're instantly extremely hungry," recalled a patient.
This difficulty is exacerbated if individuals have not established sustainable lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Growing Adoption
Figures show that millions of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with interest being substantial.
- Adoption is greater among females than men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, experts emphasize that while the jabs are potent tools for weight loss, they are not a standalone cure and lasting health benefits likely depends on ongoing lifestyle management.
