New research reveals that people who come off new slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on shed pounds far faster than those who stop conventional lifestyle regimens.
Research printed in a major medical journal demonstrates that while overweight people can lose substantial amounts of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the weight is regained at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Individuals using such drugs must be aware of the danger of quick rebound weight gain when the medication is stopped," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain means a reversion to original weight within about 18 months.
Analyzing Approaches
The research, which examined 37 of trials involving thousands of participants, compared the effects of these new drugs with other pills.
The team note that individuals who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone generally have a more gradual creep back—approximately 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Quick Regain
Experts propose the way of the jabs is key to understanding the accelerated weight return.
The injections imitate a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls appetite.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 levels several times higher than normal may cause the body to produce less of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also lessen responsiveness to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement means appetite is no longer kept in check, making overeating far more likely."
A Chronic Condition?
The NHS advise the jabs for people with weight-linked health risks, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians say that, due to the significant potential of weight regain, the therapy might need to be life-long.
This view is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "emphasize the chronic character of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like hypertension.
Patient Testimonies
Individuals who have come off the jabs describe a powerful return of appetite.
"It felt as if something activating and you become starving," described one woman.
The struggle is worsened if users have not developed sustainable lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Growing Adoption
Figures show that a significant number of adults in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with demand continuing to grow.
- Use is more common among females than men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- Many obtain the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, clinicians caution that while the jabs are effective agents for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent solution and maintained weight loss hinges on combined lifestyle management.
