New research indicates that patients who stop using popular slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide tend to recover lost weight far faster than those who halt conventional lifestyle regimens.
Published data in a leading health publication demonstrates that while obese individuals frequently drop about a fifth of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the mass is regained at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"Users using these medications must be aware of the potential of rapid rebound weight gain when the medication ends," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain suggests a reversion to original mass in about 18 months.
Analyzing Approaches
The study, which looked at dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the results of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
Researchers point out that people who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone usually see a less rapid weight regain—approximately 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
The Reason for the Fast Rebound
Experts believe the mode of action of the injections explains the accelerated regain.
These medications mimic a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates hunger.
"Long-term administration of the hormone concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production might result in the system to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and could lessen responsiveness to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Discontinuation of this GLP-1 'fix' results in appetite is no longer kept in check, making overeating much more probable."
An Ongoing Issue?
The NHS suggest the injections for people with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts say that, considering the high risk of weight regain, the therapy might need to be life-long.
This perspective is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the results "highlight the chronic nature of excess weight," akin to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Testimonies
People who have discontinued the medication report a powerful return of hunger.
"I experienced something that goes on and you become extremely hungry," described a patient.
The struggle is compounded if individuals have not adopted lasting dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Widespread Use
Figures indicate that millions of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with interest remaining high.
- Adoption is higher among women compared to men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest usage rates.
- Many obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Finally, researchers emphasize that while GLP-1 drugs are potent agents for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent solution and lasting health benefits likely depends on ongoing behavioural support.
