New research suggests that people who come off new slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain lost weight far faster than those who stop conventional lifestyle programs.
Published data in a prominent medical journal shows that while obese people often shed about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the mass comes back at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"Individuals using such treatments should be informed of the danger of rapid weight regain when the therapy ends," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain suggests a reversion to pre-treatment mass within about a year and a half.
Comparing Treatments
The research, which looked at 37 of trials involving thousands of participants, compared the outcomes of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
Researchers note that individuals who lose weight through diet and exercise typically have a more gradual creep back—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Understanding the Quick Regain
Nutrition scientists believe the mechanism of the jabs accounts for the accelerated weight return.
The injections copy a natural hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone concentrations far above than normal may cause the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and may also reduce responsiveness to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Discontinuation of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to hunger is unsuppressed, making overeating a significant risk."
A Lifelong Disease?
The NHS suggest the injections for people with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals contend that, due to the high risk of weight regain, the therapy might need to be long-term.
This opinion is supported by drug manufacturers, who say that the findings "underscore the long-term nature of excess weight," akin to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
User Experiences
Individuals who have stopped the medication report a sudden resurgence of hunger.
"I experienced something that goes on and you're instantly starving," said one woman.
The struggle is worsened if individuals have not established sustainable dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Growing Interest
Recent estimates show that millions of adults in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with desire continuing to grow.
- Use is greater among females than males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, researchers stress that while the jabs are powerful tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent cure and long-term success hinges on combined lifestyle support.
