A recent study indicates that people who come off new slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide tend to recover lost weight much more quickly than those who halt conventional diet and exercise plans.
Published data in a prominent health publication points out that while overweight people often shed about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the mass returns at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"Users using these medications must be cognizant of the danger of rapid rebound weight gain when the therapy concludes," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery means a reversion to original weight within about one and a half years.
Weighing Treatments
The research, which examined dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the results of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
The team emphasize that individuals who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone usually see a less rapid creep back—approximately 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
Explaining the Quick Regain
Nutrition scientists suggest the mode of action of the drugs explains the accelerated regain.
These medications mimic a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates appetite.
"Artificially providing the hormone concentrations far above than normal might result in the body to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and may also diminish sensitivity to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Stopping of this medication means hunger is unsuppressed, making overeating far more likely."
A Lifelong Condition?
Health authorities suggest the injections for people with weight-linked health risks, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
Many experts contend that, given the significant potential of relapse, the treatment might need to be long-term.
This perspective is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the results "underscore the persistent character of obesity," similar to managing diseases like diabetes.
User Testimonies
Users who have stopped the medication report a intense resurgence of appetite.
"It felt as if something flipping and you become starving," said an individual.
The struggle is compounded if users have not adopted lasting lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Widespread Interest
Figures indicate that millions of people in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand continuing to grow.
- Use is greater among women compared to males.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, researchers caution that while GLP-1 drugs are potent agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent fix and maintained weight loss likely depends on combined lifestyle support.
