New research suggests that people who stop using new slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain shed pounds much more quickly than those who halt conventional diet and exercise plans.
Published data in a leading medical journal shows that while overweight individuals often shed substantial amounts of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the mass returns at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Individuals purchasing these drugs should be informed of the danger of rapid weight regain when the therapy is stopped," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain suggests a return to original mass within about one and a half years.
Analyzing Treatments
The analysis, which reviewed 37 of studies involving thousands of patients, contrasted the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with other pills.
Researchers point out that individuals who lose weight through diet and exercise typically experience a slower weight regain—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Understanding the Fast Regain
Nutrition scientists suggest the mode of action of the injections accounts for the amplified weight return.
These medications copy a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of the hormone concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production may cause the body to produce less of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also diminish sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' results in appetite is no longer kept in check, making excessive eating far more likely."
An Ongoing Disease?
Health authorities advise the injections for individuals with obesity-related health risks, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts argue that, due to the likelihood of relapse, the treatment should be considered ongoing.
This opinion is echoed by drug manufacturers, who say that the findings "underscore the long-term nature of excess weight," akin to managing diseases like diabetes.
User Testimonies
People who have come off the jabs describe a powerful return of cravings.
"I experienced a switch flipping and you become starving," said one woman.
This challenge is exacerbated if patients have not adopted permanent dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Widespread Adoption
Recent estimates suggest that millions of adults in the UK have tried these injections in the past year, with demand remaining high.
- Adoption is higher among females compared to males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Finally, researchers emphasize that while the jabs are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone fix and long-term success hinges on integrated lifestyle support.
