A recent study reveals that patients who discontinue new slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop traditional lifestyle programs.
Published data in a major health publication shows that while obese people frequently drop substantial amounts of their total mass while on the medication, the mass is regained at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"Individuals using such medications should be informed of the danger of fast rebound weight gain when the therapy ends," stated researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain suggests a return to original mass in about a year and a half.
Comparing Approaches
The analysis, which looked at 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the results of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
Researchers point out that individuals who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone generally have a less rapid creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
Explaining the Rapid Regain
Experts propose the way of the drugs accounts for the accelerated regain.
These medications mimic a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls hunger.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 levels several times higher than the body's typical production may cause the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and may also lessen responsiveness to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Discontinuation of this medication means appetite is uncontrolled, making excessive eating far more likely."
A Lifelong Disease?
The NHS recommend the jabs for people with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts argue that, given the high risk of weight regain, the therapy is often ongoing.
This view is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "emphasize the persistent nature of excess weight," akin to managing conditions like hypertension.
Patient Testimonies
People who have discontinued the medication explain a sudden resurgence of hunger.
"I experienced a trigger activating and you're instantly extremely hungry," described one woman.
The struggle is exacerbated if individuals have not established permanent lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Growing Use
Figures indicate that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with interest being substantial.
- Adoption is higher among females than males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest level of interest.
- Many access the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, clinicians emphasize that while the jabs are powerful tools for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone fix and lasting health benefits hinges on integrated behavioural support.
