Fresh analysis indicates that people who stop using popular slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on lost weight far faster than those who halt conventional diet and exercise programs.
Findings released in a leading health publication demonstrates that while obese people frequently drop a large proportion of their total mass while on the medication, the weight is regained at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"People purchasing these drugs must be aware of the risk of fast weight regain when the therapy is stopped," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery suggests a reversion to original weight within about a year and a half.
Weighing Therapies
The research, which looked at dozens of trials involving thousands of participants, compared the effects of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
The team note that individuals who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone generally see a slower weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Fast Rebound
Experts propose the mode of action of the injections accounts for the accelerated regain.
The injections imitate a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing the hormone concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production may cause the body to produce less of its own natural hormone, and could lessen sensitivity to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Withdrawal of this medication means appetite is unsuppressed, making binge eating far more likely."
A Lifelong Issue?
The NHS advise the jabs for people with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts say that, given the significant potential of weight regain, the therapy is often ongoing.
This perspective is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the findings "emphasize the long-term nature of obesity," comparing it to managing conditions like hypertension.
User Testimonies
Users who have discontinued the jabs describe a powerful resurgence of appetite.
"It was like a switch that goes on and I was suddenly starving," recalled one woman.
The struggle is worsened if individuals have not established sustainable lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Significant Use
Recent estimates show that millions of people in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with desire being substantial.
- Adoption is more common among females compared to males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest usage rates.
- Many obtain the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, clinicians caution that while GLP-1 drugs are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent cure and long-term success hinges on integrated behavioural management.
