Fresh analysis indicates that patients who discontinue popular slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide tend to recover shed pounds much more quickly than those who halt conventional diet and exercise regimens.
Research printed in a leading health publication points out that while obese individuals often shed a large proportion of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the mass returns at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Individuals using these medications need to be cognizant of the risk of rapid weight regain when the therapy is stopped," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery means a return to pre-treatment weight in about a year and a half.
Weighing Treatments
The study, which examined dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the results of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
Scientists emphasize that individuals who lose weight through diet and exercise generally see a slower weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Rapid Regain
Doctors suggest the way of the jabs accounts for the accelerated weight return.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate hunger.
"Long-term administration of the hormone concentrations far above than the body's typical production may cause the system to produce less of its own natural hormone, and may also lessen responsiveness to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement means appetite is no longer kept in check, making overeating far more likely."
An Ongoing Issue?
Health authorities recommend the injections for people with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts say that, due to the significant potential of weight regain, the therapy might need to be life-long.
This perspective is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the results "emphasize the persistent character of excess weight," akin to managing diseases like hypertension.
User Accounts
People who have come off the jabs describe a intense resurgence of hunger.
"I experienced something that goes on and you become extremely hungry," described an individual.
The struggle is exacerbated if individuals have not established sustainable dietary or behavioural modifications during treatment.
Growing Interest
Survey data show that a significant number of people in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with demand continuing to grow.
- Adoption is more common among women compared to men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, experts caution that while these medications are potent tools for weight loss, they are not a magic fix and maintained weight loss likely depends on combined behavioural changes.
