A recent study suggests that people who come off new slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide tend to recover reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop conventional lifestyle programs.
Findings released in a leading health publication points out that while overweight individuals often shed about a fifth of their body weight while using the jabs, the mass returns at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"Users buying these treatments must be aware of the potential of quick weight regain when the therapy ends," stated researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery means a reversion to pre-treatment mass in about one and a half years.
Weighing Treatments
The research, which examined 37 of studies involving thousands of patients, compared the results of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
The team point out that individuals who shed pounds through diet and exercise typically have a slower weight regain—perhaps 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Quick Regain
Nutrition scientists propose the mode of action of the drugs accounts for the accelerated regain.
The injections copy a natural hormone called GLP-1, which moderates hunger.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than normal may cause the body to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and may also diminish sensitivity to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to hunger is unsuppressed, making binge eating far more likely."
A Lifelong Issue?
Health authorities recommend the injections for people with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals contend that, given the significant potential of relapse, the treatment might need to be life-long.
This perspective is supported by drug manufacturers, who state that the findings "highlight the persistent nature of obesity," comparing it to managing diseases like diabetes.
User Experiences
Individuals who have come off the medication explain a powerful return of cravings.
"It felt as if something activating and you become starving," recalled an individual.
This challenge is compounded if individuals have not established lasting dietary or behavioural modifications during treatment.
Growing Use
Survey data indicate that millions of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the past year, with demand being substantial.
- Use is higher among females than males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Finally, researchers stress that while the jabs are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a magic fix and maintained weight loss likely depends on integrated lifestyle support.
