New research reveals that patients who come off blockbuster slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop traditional lifestyle plans.
Findings released in a leading health publication demonstrates that while obese people frequently drop substantial amounts of their body weight while on the medication, the weight is regained at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"Users buying these treatments need to be cognizant of the risk of rapid weight regain when the therapy concludes," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery means a reversion to pre-treatment weight within about one and a half years.
Weighing Approaches
The research, which examined dozens of studies involving thousands of participants, compared the effects of the injectable medications with other pills.
Researchers note that individuals who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone usually see a less rapid creep back—around 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
Understanding the Fast Rebound
Experts believe the mode of action of the jabs accounts for the accelerated rebound.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a natural hormone called GLP-1, which moderates hunger.
"Artificially providing the hormone levels far above than normal might result in the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also diminish responsiveness to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement means appetite is unsuppressed, making binge eating far more likely."
A Lifelong Disease?
Medical guidelines suggest the injections for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals say that, given the high risk of relapse, the treatment should be considered ongoing.
This view is echoed by drug manufacturers, who say that the results "emphasize the long-term character of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
Patient Experiences
Individuals who have discontinued the medication report a intense return of hunger.
"I experienced a switch flipping and you become ravenous," described an individual.
This difficulty is exacerbated if individuals have not adopted permanent dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Widespread Use
Survey data suggest that a significant number of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with desire continuing to grow.
- Adoption is higher among women compared to males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, experts stress that while these medications are powerful tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent solution and long-term success likely depends on integrated lifestyle changes.
