A recent study suggests that people who come off popular slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on lost weight far faster than those who stop conventional diet and exercise plans.
Findings released in a leading medical journal shows that while obese people can lose substantial amounts of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the mass is regained at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"Individuals buying these treatments should be informed of the risk of quick weight regain when the medication ends," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery suggests a return to original mass within about a year and a half.
Weighing Therapies
The study, which looked at 37 of studies involving thousands of patients, compared the outcomes of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
Scientists emphasize that individuals who shed pounds through dieting usually experience a more gradual creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Rapid Regain
Experts suggest the way of the jabs is key to understanding the accelerated weight return.
The injections copy a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 concentrations far above than normal may cause the system to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and may also reduce sensitivity to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement results in appetite is unsuppressed, making binge eating a significant risk."
A Chronic Issue?
Health authorities suggest the injections for individuals with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians contend that, due to the significant potential of relapse, the therapy might need to be ongoing.
This view is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the findings "highlight the persistent character of excess weight," comparing it to managing diseases like hypertension.
User Experiences
People who have discontinued the jabs report a powerful resurgence of appetite.
"It felt as if a trigger flipping and you're instantly ravenous," described one woman.
The struggle is worsened if individuals have not established sustainable lifestyle or habit changes during treatment.
Widespread Use
Recent estimates indicate that a significant number of people in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with desire being substantial.
- Use is higher among females compared to males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest level of interest.
- Many obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, researchers stress that while these medications are powerful tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent fix and long-term success likely depends on combined lifestyle support.
