New research indicates that individuals who discontinue popular slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide tend to recover reduced body mass far faster than those who stop conventional diet and exercise programs.
Research printed in a prominent health publication demonstrates that while overweight people frequently drop about a fifth of their total mass while on the medication, the mass returns at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Individuals purchasing such drugs need to be aware of the risk of rapid weight regain when the therapy ends," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery suggests a reversion to original weight within about a year and a half.
Comparing Therapies
The study, which looked at 37 of studies involving thousands of participants, compared the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with other pills.
Researchers note that people who shed pounds through diet and exercise usually experience a slower weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Understanding the Fast Rebound
Experts believe the mechanism of the injections is key to understanding the heightened rebound.
The injections copy a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates hunger.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone concentrations far above than normal might result in the body to produce less of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also diminish sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Stopping of this medication means appetite is unsuppressed, making overeating a significant risk."
A Lifelong Issue?
The NHS recommend the injections for individuals with weight-linked health risks, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
Many experts argue that, considering the significant potential of relapse, the therapy might need to be life-long.
This perspective is echoed by drug manufacturers, who say that the findings "highlight the chronic nature of excess weight," akin to managing diseases like hypertension.
User Experiences
People who have come off the medication report a intense return of appetite.
"It was like a switch flipping and you become extremely hungry," described one woman.
This challenge is worsened if users have not developed sustainable lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Significant Adoption
Recent estimates suggest that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with demand continuing to grow.
- Use is higher among females compared to men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, clinicians stress that while GLP-1 drugs are potent tools for weight loss, they are not a standalone cure and long-term success likely depends on combined behavioural management.
