A recent study indicates that individuals who discontinue new slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide tend to recover lost weight much more quickly than those who stop conventional lifestyle regimens.
Findings released in a prominent medical journal points out that while obese individuals can lose a large proportion of their body weight while on the medication, the mass is regained at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Users buying these treatments need to be aware of the potential of quick weight regain when the therapy ends," stated expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery implies a return to original mass within about a year and a half.
Comparing Treatments
The research, which examined 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the effects of these new drugs with other pills.
Researchers point out that people who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone usually experience a less rapid creep back—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Explaining the Rapid Regain
Nutrition scientists believe the mode of action of the drugs accounts for the amplified weight return.
The injections mimic a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing the hormone concentrations far above than normal might result in the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and may also lessen sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement means hunger is unsuppressed, making overeating much more probable."
An Ongoing Issue?
Medical guidelines advise the jabs for people with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
Professionals argue that, due to the significant potential of relapse, the therapy is often life-long.
This perspective is echoed by drug manufacturers, who say that the results "highlight the chronic nature of excess weight," comparing it to managing conditions like diabetes.
User Accounts
People who have stopped the jabs report a intense return of hunger.
"It was like something flipping and I was suddenly starving," described one woman.
This challenge is exacerbated if users have not developed sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Significant Adoption
Survey data suggest that a significant number of adults in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with demand remaining high.
- Use is greater among women than men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- Many obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Finally, experts stress that while the jabs are powerful agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent fix and maintained weight loss relies on integrated behavioural support.
