New research reveals that individuals who stop using new slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain reduced body mass much more quickly than those who halt traditional lifestyle regimens.
Research printed in a major medical journal points out that while overweight people often shed about a fifth of their total mass while on the medication, the weight returns at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Individuals purchasing these treatments need to be aware of the danger of fast weight regain when the therapy ends," stated expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery suggests a reversion to pre-treatment mass within about 18 months.
Analyzing Therapies
The research, which reviewed dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the results of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
The team emphasize that individuals who lose weight through dieting generally have a slower weight regain—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Explaining the Fast Regain
Doctors suggest the mechanism of the jabs accounts for the accelerated rebound.
These medications mimic a natural hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate hunger.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production could lead to the body to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and could reduce responsiveness to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to appetite is unsuppressed, making overeating much more probable."
An Ongoing Condition?
Medical guidelines recommend the jabs for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
Many experts argue that, given the likelihood of weight regain, the therapy should be considered ongoing.
This perspective is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the results "underscore the chronic nature of excess weight," comparing it to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
User Experiences
Users who have come off the medication explain a intense return of cravings.
"I experienced a switch activating and you become starving," described a patient.
This challenge is worsened if users have not adopted sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Significant Use
Figures suggest that a significant number of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with desire continuing to grow.
- Adoption is more common among females than men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- Many obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Finally, experts stress that while the jabs are effective tools for weight loss, they are not a magic fix and long-term success likely depends on integrated behavioural changes.
