Fresh analysis suggests that people who stop using popular slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain shed pounds much more quickly than those who stop conventional diet and exercise programs.
Findings released in a major health publication shows that while overweight people can lose a large proportion of their total mass while on the medication, the mass is regained at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Individuals using these medications need to be cognizant of the risk of quick rebound weight gain when the treatment is stopped," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery implies a return to pre-treatment weight within about 18 months.
Weighing Approaches
The analysis, which reviewed dozens of trials involving thousands of participants, compared the outcomes of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
Researchers point out that people who lose weight through dieting typically have a more gradual weight regain—approximately 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.
Explaining the Rapid Regain
Nutrition scientists propose the way of the injections explains the accelerated regain.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of the hormone levels several times higher than the body's typical production could lead to the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and could diminish responsiveness to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Discontinuation of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to hunger is uncontrolled, making excessive eating a significant risk."
An Ongoing Condition?
Health authorities recommend the injections for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts argue that, considering the high risk of relapse, the therapy should be considered life-long.
This view is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the results "emphasize the chronic nature of excess weight," similar to managing diseases like hypertension.
Patient Testimonies
Users who have stopped the jabs describe a sudden return of cravings.
"It was like a trigger flipping and you're instantly extremely hungry," recalled one woman.
This challenge is worsened if users have not established sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Significant Interest
Figures show that millions of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with desire remaining high.
- Adoption is higher among females than men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Finally, experts caution that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent fix and maintained weight loss likely depends on integrated behavioural management.
