A recent study indicates that individuals who come off popular slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who end conventional diet and exercise regimens.
Research printed in a prominent medical journal points out that while obese people often shed a large proportion of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the weight comes back at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Individuals using these medications need to be informed of the danger of fast weight regain when the therapy is stopped," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain suggests a return to pre-treatment weight within about one and a half years.
Analyzing Treatments
The research, which examined dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the outcomes of these new drugs with older methods.
The team emphasize that individuals who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone usually experience a more gradual weight regain—perhaps 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
The Reason for the Quick Regain
Doctors suggest the mode of action of the jabs is key to understanding the accelerated weight return.
GLP-1 drugs copy a natural hormone called GLP-1, which moderates appetite.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 levels several times higher than normal could lead to the system to produce less of its own natural hormone, and could reduce sensitivity to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Stopping of this GLP-1 'fix' results in appetite is no longer kept in check, making overeating a significant risk."
A Lifelong Issue?
The NHS suggest the injections for individuals with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals contend that, given the significant potential of weight regain, the treatment might need to be life-long.
This perspective is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who note that the results "underscore the long-term character of obesity," akin to managing diseases like diabetes.
User Accounts
Users who have stopped the medication explain a sudden return of appetite.
"It was like a switch that goes on and I was suddenly starving," described one woman.
The struggle is compounded if users have not developed sustainable lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Widespread Interest
Figures suggest that a significant number of people in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with interest remaining high.
- Use is more common among women compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest level of interest.
- Many access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
In conclusion, researchers emphasize that while these medications are potent agents for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent cure and long-term success hinges on integrated behavioural changes.
