New research suggests that patients who discontinue new slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain lost weight much more quickly than those who end traditional diet and exercise plans.
Research printed in a prominent health publication points out that while obese individuals often shed substantial amounts of their total mass while using the jabs, the mass returns at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"Individuals purchasing such medications must be cognizant of the danger of fast weight regain when the therapy is stopped," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery implies a reversion to pre-treatment mass in about 18 months.
Comparing Treatments
The research, which reviewed 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the effects of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
Researchers emphasize that individuals who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone usually have a more gradual creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
The Reason for the Rapid Regain
Experts propose the mechanism of the injections accounts for the heightened regain.
These medications mimic a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 levels far above than normal might result in the body to produce less of its own natural hormone, and may also diminish sensitivity to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' results in appetite is uncontrolled, making overeating a significant risk."
A Lifelong Condition?
Medical guidelines advise the jabs for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals argue that, considering the significant potential of weight regain, the therapy should be considered long-term.
This opinion is echoed by drug manufacturers, who state that the results "underscore the long-term character of obesity," akin to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
User Experiences
Users who have discontinued the jabs explain a sudden return of appetite.
"It was like a switch flipping and you become ravenous," recalled an individual.
This challenge is worsened if patients have not developed permanent dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Significant Interest
Figures indicate that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with interest remaining high.
- Adoption is higher among women compared to males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, experts caution that while the jabs are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a magic cure and maintained weight loss relies on ongoing lifestyle changes.
