A recent study indicates that individuals who discontinue popular slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on reduced body mass far faster than those who stop conventional diet and exercise programs.
Research printed in a prominent medical journal demonstrates that while overweight people often shed about a fifth of their body weight while using the jabs, the weight comes back at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"Users purchasing such drugs must be cognizant of the risk of quick rebound weight gain when the treatment is stopped," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery suggests a reversion to original weight in about a year and a half.
Weighing Treatments
The analysis, which reviewed dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the effects of these new drugs with older methods.
The team note that individuals who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone generally have a slower creep back—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
The Reason for the Rapid Regain
Doctors suggest the mode of action of the drugs is key to understanding the heightened weight return.
The injections imitate a natural hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate hunger.
"Long-term administration of the hormone concentrations several times higher than normal might result in the body to produce less of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also lessen responsiveness to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Withdrawal of this medication results in hunger is unsuppressed, making overeating a significant risk."
A Lifelong Condition?
Health authorities recommend the injections for people with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals contend that, given the high risk of relapse, the treatment is often ongoing.
This view is echoed by drug manufacturers, who state that the findings "emphasize the persistent nature of excess weight," comparing it to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
Patient Accounts
People who have discontinued the jabs explain a intense resurgence of cravings.
"It was like a switch activating and you become starving," described a patient.
The struggle is exacerbated if patients have not adopted permanent dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Significant Use
Recent estimates indicate that millions of adults in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with interest remaining high.
- Adoption is more common among women compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Finally, experts stress that while the jabs are effective agents for shedding pounds, they are not a magic solution and long-term success relies on ongoing behavioural management.
