A recent study suggests that people who come off new slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt conventional diet and exercise programs.
Published data in a prominent medical journal demonstrates that while obese individuals frequently drop a large proportion of their total mass while on the medication, the weight is regained at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"People buying such drugs need to be informed of the risk of fast rebound weight gain when the medication concludes," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain means a return to pre-treatment weight in about one and a half years.
Analyzing Approaches
The study, which looked at dozens of trials involving thousands of patients, contrasted the outcomes of the injectable medications with other pills.
Scientists note that people who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone generally experience a slower creep back—around 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.
Explaining the Quick Rebound
Nutrition scientists propose the mechanism of the jabs is key to understanding the accelerated regain.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and could diminish responsiveness to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Withdrawal of this medication means hunger is uncontrolled, making excessive eating far more likely."
A Lifelong Disease?
Medical guidelines advise the injections for individuals with obesity-related health risks, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals contend that, considering the high risk of relapse, the treatment should be considered life-long.
This perspective is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the results "emphasize the persistent nature of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like diabetes.
Patient Accounts
Users who have come off the jabs describe a powerful return of cravings.
"I experienced a switch that goes on and you're instantly ravenous," recalled an individual.
This difficulty is exacerbated if users have not developed permanent lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Significant Interest
Recent estimates show that a significant number of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with desire being substantial.
- Adoption is greater among women compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many access the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, experts emphasize that while these medications are potent agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent fix and long-term success hinges on integrated behavioural changes.
