Fresh analysis suggests that patients who discontinue new slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide tend to recover lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who end traditional diet and exercise programs.
Published data in a prominent health publication demonstrates that while obese people can lose a large proportion of their total mass while using the jabs, the weight is regained at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"Individuals using such medications should be informed of the potential of rapid weight regain when the treatment ends," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain implies a reversion to original mass in about one and a half years.
Comparing Approaches
The study, which reviewed 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the results of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
The team emphasize that people who lose weight through dieting generally have a slower weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Understanding the Rapid Regain
Nutrition scientists believe the mechanism of the jabs is key to understanding the amplified regain.
These medications mimic a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls hunger.
"Long-term administration of the hormone levels several times higher than the body's typical production may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and may also diminish responsiveness to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to appetite is unsuppressed, making excessive eating a significant risk."
A Chronic Disease?
Medical guidelines recommend the jabs for people with weight-linked health risks, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians argue that, considering the likelihood of weight regain, the treatment might need to be ongoing.
This perspective is supported by drug manufacturers, who state that the results "highlight the chronic nature of obesity," akin to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
User Experiences
People who have stopped the medication describe a intense return of cravings.
"It was like something activating and you're instantly ravenous," recalled an individual.
This challenge is compounded if individuals have not adopted sustainable dietary or behavioural modifications during treatment.
Widespread Interest
Survey data suggest that millions of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand being substantial.
- Adoption is higher among women compared to males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Ultimately, experts stress that while the jabs are powerful agents for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent cure and long-term success relies on integrated behavioural support.
