A recent study reveals that individuals who stop using new slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt traditional diet and exercise regimens.
Published data in a major medical journal demonstrates that while overweight people often shed about a fifth of their body weight while using the jabs, the mass is regained at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Users using these medications should be cognizant of the potential of fast rebound weight gain when the treatment concludes," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery means a return to pre-treatment mass within about 18 months.
Weighing Approaches
The analysis, which reviewed dozens of trials involving thousands of patients, contrasted the results of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
Scientists emphasize that individuals who lose weight through dieting generally experience a less rapid weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Rapid Regain
Experts believe the mechanism of the injections accounts for the accelerated regain.
These medications copy a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates appetite.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production could lead to the system to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and may also reduce sensitivity to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Discontinuation of this medication results in hunger is unsuppressed, making binge eating far more likely."
A Lifelong Condition?
The NHS suggest the jabs for people with weight-linked health risks, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
Many experts say that, due to the significant potential of relapse, the treatment is often life-long.
This perspective is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the results "emphasize the long-term nature of excess weight," similar to managing diseases like diabetes.
Patient Accounts
People who have discontinued the jabs report a intense resurgence of hunger.
"I experienced something flipping and you become starving," said one woman.
This challenge is worsened if users have not adopted sustainable dietary or behavioural modifications during treatment.
Growing Adoption
Recent estimates suggest that a significant number of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with demand continuing to grow.
- Use is higher among females compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest level of interest.
- Many access the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, researchers stress that while the jabs are powerful tools for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent fix and long-term success likely depends on combined behavioural changes.
