A recent study suggests that people who come off blockbuster slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop conventional diet and exercise regimens.
Published data in a major medical journal demonstrates that while overweight people can lose a large proportion of their body weight while on the medication, the mass returns at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Users using such treatments should be cognizant of the potential of fast weight regain when the treatment ends," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery means a reversion to pre-treatment mass in about a year and a half.
Analyzing Treatments
The research, which reviewed dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the results of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
Researchers point out that individuals who lose weight through diet and exercise generally have a more gradual creep back—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Explaining the Quick Rebound
Experts propose the way of the jabs is key to understanding the accelerated rebound.
GLP-1 drugs copy a natural hormone called GLP-1, which moderates feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 levels several times higher than normal could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and could diminish sensitivity to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Withdrawal of this medication results in hunger is uncontrolled, making binge eating much more probable."
A Chronic Disease?
The NHS recommend the injections for people with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts say that, considering the significant potential of weight regain, the therapy should be considered ongoing.
This perspective is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who say that the findings "highlight the persistent nature of obesity," comparing it to managing diseases like hypertension.
Patient Experiences
People who have come off the jabs explain a powerful return of cravings.
"It felt as if a switch activating and you become extremely hungry," recalled an individual.
This difficulty is exacerbated if individuals have not established permanent lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Growing Interest
Recent estimates suggest that a significant number of adults in the UK have tried these injections in the past year, with interest continuing to grow.
- Adoption is more common among females than men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, experts caution that while the jabs are powerful agents for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone fix and lasting health benefits likely depends on integrated behavioural management.
