New research suggests that patients who come off blockbuster slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide tend to recover reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop conventional diet and exercise plans.
Research printed in a prominent medical journal points out that while overweight people can lose a large proportion of their total mass while on the medication, the mass is regained at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"People using such medications must be cognizant of the risk of fast weight regain when the therapy is stopped," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain implies a reversion to original weight within about a year and a half.
Comparing Approaches
The study, which reviewed dozens of studies involving thousands of patients, compared the outcomes of the injectable medications with other pills.
Researchers note that individuals who shed pounds through dieting generally see a less rapid creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Explaining the Fast Rebound
Experts suggest the mechanism of the drugs is key to understanding the accelerated regain.
The injections mimic a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate hunger.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone levels several times higher than normal could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also reduce responsiveness to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' means appetite is no longer kept in check, making overeating a significant risk."
A Chronic Disease?
Health authorities suggest the injections for individuals with weight-linked health risks, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts argue that, considering the high risk of weight regain, the treatment might need to be long-term.
This view is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the results "underscore the chronic character of obesity," comparing it to managing conditions like hypertension.
User Experiences
Users who have come off the jabs explain a intense resurgence of appetite.
"It felt as if a switch that goes on and I was suddenly starving," said one woman.
This challenge is worsened if individuals have not developed permanent lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Growing Use
Survey data suggest that a significant number of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with desire remaining high.
- Adoption is higher among females than men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Ultimately, experts emphasize that while GLP-1 drugs are potent tools for weight loss, they are not a magic fix and maintained weight loss relies on ongoing behavioural support.
