New research reveals that individuals who stop using new slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide tend to recover shed pounds much more quickly than those who stop traditional diet and exercise regimens.
Published data in a prominent medical journal shows that while obese individuals can lose substantial amounts of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the weight is regained at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"People using such drugs must be cognizant of the potential of fast rebound weight gain when the treatment is stopped," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery implies a reversion to pre-treatment mass in about one and a half years.
Analyzing Therapies
The study, which examined dozens of trials involving thousands of patients, compared the results of these new drugs with other pills.
Researchers note that individuals who shed pounds through dieting typically experience a more gradual creep back—around 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.
Understanding the Fast Regain
Nutrition scientists propose the mode of action of the jabs is key to understanding the heightened regain.
GLP-1 drugs copy a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 concentrations far above than the body's typical production could lead to the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and may also reduce responsiveness to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Discontinuation of this hormone supplement leads to hunger is uncontrolled, making excessive eating much more probable."
A Lifelong Disease?
Medical guidelines suggest the jabs for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by recommended lifestyle changes.
Professionals contend that, given the likelihood of relapse, the therapy should be considered long-term.
This perspective is supported by drug manufacturers, who state that the results "highlight the persistent nature of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like hypertension.
User Experiences
Users who have discontinued the jabs describe a sudden return of appetite.
"It felt as if a trigger flipping and you become starving," described a patient.
This challenge is worsened if individuals have not developed lasting dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Growing Adoption
Recent estimates show that a significant number of people in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with desire continuing to grow.
- Adoption is higher among women than males.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest level of interest.
- Many access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Ultimately, experts emphasize that while GLP-1 drugs are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone solution and maintained weight loss hinges on combined behavioural changes.
