A recent study indicates that individuals who stop using blockbuster slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain shed pounds much more quickly than those who stop traditional lifestyle regimens.
Findings released in a leading medical journal points out that while obese people can lose a large proportion of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the mass is regained at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"People using such medications must be cognizant of the risk of rapid rebound weight gain when the therapy ends," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain implies a return to pre-treatment mass within about a year and a half.
Weighing Therapies
The study, which reviewed 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the effects of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
Researchers note that individuals who lose weight through diet and exercise typically see a more gradual creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
The Reason for the Fast Rebound
Doctors believe the mode of action of the jabs explains the accelerated rebound.
These medications copy a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls hunger.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than normal could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and could lessen sensitivity to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' leads to appetite is uncontrolled, making excessive eating a significant risk."
An Ongoing Issue?
Medical guidelines advise the injections for individuals with weight-linked health risks, accompanied by prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts say that, considering the likelihood of weight regain, the treatment is often life-long.
This perspective is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the results "highlight the persistent nature of obesity," similar to managing diseases like diabetes.
Patient Experiences
People who have discontinued the medication describe a intense return of cravings.
"I experienced something that goes on and I was suddenly starving," described one woman.
This difficulty is compounded if users have not adopted sustainable dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Growing Use
Figures show that a significant number of people in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with interest continuing to grow.
- Adoption is more common among females than men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Finally, clinicians caution that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful agents for shedding pounds, they are not a magic fix and long-term success likely depends on integrated behavioural changes.
