A recent study indicates that people who discontinue new slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt conventional lifestyle programs.
Research printed in a major medical journal shows that while overweight individuals frequently drop about a fifth of their body weight while using the jabs, the mass returns at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"People using these drugs must be informed of the danger of quick rebound weight gain when the medication is stopped," stated expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery suggests a reversion to original mass within about 18 months.
Analyzing Approaches
The research, which looked at 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the outcomes of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
Researchers point out that individuals who shed pounds through dieting typically see a more gradual weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Rapid Regain
Nutrition scientists propose the mechanism of the injections accounts for the amplified regain.
These medications imitate a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing the hormone concentrations far above than normal may cause the body to produce less of its endogenous GLP-1, and could reduce sensitivity to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement leads to hunger is uncontrolled, making binge eating far more likely."
An Ongoing Disease?
Medical guidelines advise the jabs for people with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians say that, considering the high risk of relapse, the therapy should be considered long-term.
This view is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who state that the findings "highlight the persistent character of obesity," similar to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
User Experiences
Users who have discontinued the medication report a intense return of hunger.
"I experienced a trigger activating and you're instantly starving," recalled an individual.
This difficulty is worsened if users have not developed lasting lifestyle or habit modifications during therapy.
Widespread Use
Figures show that millions of adults in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with demand continuing to grow.
- Use is more common among women compared to males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Finally, clinicians caution that while the jabs are potent tools for weight loss, they are not a magic fix and long-term success relies on integrated behavioural management.
