Fresh analysis reveals that patients who discontinue new slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain reduced body mass much more quickly than those who end conventional lifestyle regimens.
Published data in a prominent health publication shows that while obese individuals often shed substantial amounts of their total mass while on the medication, the mass comes back at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"Users purchasing these drugs must be aware of the danger of rapid weight regain when the treatment is stopped," stated researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery suggests a reversion to original mass in about one and a half years.
Weighing Treatments
The analysis, which examined 37 of studies involving thousands of patients, contrasted the effects of these new drugs with older methods.
The team note that individuals who lose weight through dieting usually see a slower weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Understanding the Quick Rebound
Doctors suggest the mode of action of the drugs is key to understanding the heightened weight return.
The injections mimic a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate hunger.
"Long-term administration of the hormone levels several times higher than normal might result in the body to produce less of its own natural hormone, and could lessen responsiveness to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' means hunger is unsuppressed, making binge eating far more likely."
A Lifelong Issue?
Medical guidelines recommend the jabs for individuals with weight-linked health risks, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
Professionals argue that, considering the high risk of relapse, the therapy should be considered ongoing.
This view is supported by drug manufacturers, who say that the results "highlight the long-term character of excess weight," comparing it to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
Patient Accounts
People who have stopped the medication explain a sudden return of appetite.
"I experienced something that goes on and you're instantly ravenous," described one woman.
The struggle is exacerbated if patients have not adopted permanent lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Widespread Adoption
Figures indicate that a significant number of adults in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with demand continuing to grow.
- Adoption is more common among females than men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest level of interest.
- Many access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Finally, researchers caution that while the jabs are potent agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent cure and maintained weight loss likely depends on ongoing behavioural management.
