A recent study suggests that patients who stop using blockbuster slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide tend to recover lost weight far faster than those who stop traditional diet and exercise regimens.
Published data in a major health publication shows that while obese individuals can lose substantial amounts of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the weight comes back at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"Users using these drugs must be informed of the risk of rapid weight regain when the medication is stopped," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery implies a reversion to starting mass within about a year and a half.
Analyzing Approaches
The research, which examined dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the outcomes of the injectable medications with older methods.
Researchers point out that individuals who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone typically have a more gradual creep back—approximately 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
The Reason for the Quick Regain
Experts propose the way of the injections accounts for the amplified rebound.
The injections imitate a natural hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate hunger.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone concentrations far above than the body's typical production may cause the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and may also diminish responsiveness to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to hunger is unsuppressed, making overeating far more likely."
A Chronic Issue?
The NHS recommend the injections for individuals with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts contend that, given the likelihood of relapse, the treatment should be considered life-long.
This view is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who state that the findings "underscore the chronic character of excess weight," comparing it to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
Patient Accounts
Users who have come off the medication explain a powerful resurgence of appetite.
"It was like something that goes on and I was suddenly starving," said a patient.
This challenge is compounded if patients have not developed sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Widespread Adoption
Figures show that a significant number of people in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with demand continuing to grow.
- Adoption is greater among women compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Finally, researchers stress that while the jabs are powerful tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent fix and long-term success relies on ongoing lifestyle changes.
