New research reveals that patients who discontinue popular slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop conventional lifestyle programs.
Research printed in a leading health publication shows that while overweight individuals can lose substantial amounts of their total mass while using the jabs, the weight returns at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"Users buying such treatments should be aware of the risk of quick weight regain when the medication concludes," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain implies a reversion to original weight within about one and a half years.
Comparing Approaches
The study, which examined dozens of trials involving thousands of participants, compared the results of these new drugs with other pills.
Researchers emphasize that people who lose weight through dieting generally have a less rapid creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
The Reason for the Rapid Regain
Nutrition scientists suggest the way of the injections explains the accelerated weight return.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls hunger.
"Artificially providing the hormone levels several times higher than normal may cause the body to produce less of its own natural hormone, and may also reduce sensitivity to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement leads to appetite is no longer kept in check, making binge eating much more probable."
An Ongoing Disease?
Medical guidelines recommend the jabs for people with weight-linked health risks, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians argue that, given the high risk of weight regain, the therapy should be considered long-term.
This perspective is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "underscore the long-term nature of excess weight," comparing it to managing conditions like hypertension.
Patient Testimonies
Users who have come off the jabs describe a powerful return of appetite.
"It was like something activating and you're instantly ravenous," said one woman.
This challenge is compounded if users have not developed lasting lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Significant Interest
Figures suggest that millions of adults in the UK have tried these injections in the past year, with desire being substantial.
- Use is higher among females compared to men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, researchers caution that while the jabs are effective agents for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent cure and lasting health benefits likely depends on combined lifestyle changes.
