New research reveals that people who discontinue blockbuster slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on shed pounds far faster than those who halt conventional lifestyle plans.
Published data in a prominent health publication shows that while overweight individuals often shed about a fifth of their total mass while on the medication, the mass comes back at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"People using such medications need to be cognizant of the potential of quick weight regain when the therapy is stopped," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain suggests a return to pre-treatment mass within about one and a half years.
Weighing Approaches
The research, which looked at 37 of trials involving thousands of participants, compared the effects of GLP-1 agonists with other pills.
Researchers note that people who shed pounds through dieting usually experience a less rapid weight regain—approximately 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Fast Regain
Experts propose the mode of action of the jabs accounts for the accelerated regain.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a natural hormone called GLP-1, which moderates feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing the hormone concentrations far above than normal could lead to the system to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and could diminish responsiveness to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement leads to hunger is unsuppressed, making excessive eating much more probable."
A Chronic Disease?
Medical guidelines recommend the jabs for people with weight-linked health risks, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals say that, given the significant potential of relapse, the therapy might need to be ongoing.
This opinion is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who say that the findings "highlight the chronic nature of obesity," comparing it to managing conditions like diabetes.
Patient Accounts
People who have discontinued the medication explain a intense resurgence of appetite.
"I experienced a switch that goes on and you're instantly ravenous," recalled one woman.
This challenge is compounded if users have not adopted permanent dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Widespread Adoption
Survey data show that a significant number of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand continuing to grow.
- Adoption is greater among women than males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, researchers stress that while the jabs are powerful tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent solution and long-term success likely depends on ongoing lifestyle support.
