A recent study reveals that patients who discontinue popular slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt conventional lifestyle programs.
Published data in a leading health publication points out that while overweight individuals often shed about a fifth of their total mass while using the jabs, the mass comes back at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"Users using such drugs should be aware of the potential of quick weight regain when the treatment is stopped," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery suggests a return to original weight within about 18 months.
Weighing Approaches
The analysis, which looked at 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the outcomes of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
The team emphasize that people who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone generally have a more gradual weight regain—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Rapid Regain
Doctors believe the way of the drugs accounts for the heightened rebound.
These medications copy a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate hunger.
"Artificially providing the hormone levels several times higher than normal may cause the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and may also diminish responsiveness to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Withdrawal of this medication means appetite is uncontrolled, making overeating far more likely."
An Ongoing Disease?
Health authorities suggest the injections for people with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals argue that, considering the likelihood of weight regain, the therapy is often ongoing.
This view is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the results "emphasize the long-term nature of obesity," akin to managing diseases like diabetes.
Patient Accounts
Users who have come off the medication explain a powerful resurgence of cravings.
"It was like something flipping and you become starving," said an individual.
This challenge is worsened if users have not adopted lasting lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Widespread Adoption
Survey data show that millions of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand remaining high.
- Use is more common among females compared to males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Finally, researchers stress that while the jabs are powerful agents for shedding pounds, they are not a magic solution and long-term success relies on integrated lifestyle management.
