A recent study suggests that patients who come off popular weight-loss injections like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on lost weight far faster than those who stop traditional lifestyle programs.
Research printed in a leading medical journal shows that while obese individuals often shed a large proportion of their body weight while on the medication, the mass comes back at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"Users purchasing such treatments must be informed of the risk of quick rebound weight gain when the therapy concludes," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery means a return to pre-treatment mass in about 18 months.
Comparing Therapies
The study, which reviewed 37 of trials involving thousands of patients, contrasted the outcomes of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
Scientists point out that people who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone usually have a slower weight regain—around 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
Explaining the Fast Rebound
Experts suggest the mechanism of the injections accounts for the amplified regain.
GLP-1 drugs copy a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of the hormone levels far above than the body's typical production might result in the body to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and could reduce responsiveness to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Stopping of this medication leads to hunger is uncontrolled, making overeating much more probable."
An Ongoing Condition?
Medical guidelines recommend the jabs for people with weight-linked health risks, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Many experts contend that, due to the likelihood of relapse, the treatment might need to be ongoing.
This view is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who state that the results "highlight the persistent nature of obesity," similar to managing diseases like diabetes.
Patient Accounts
People who have discontinued the jabs describe a intense return of hunger.
"It felt as if something that goes on and you become ravenous," recalled one woman.
The struggle is exacerbated if individuals have not developed sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Significant Interest
Recent estimates show that a significant number of adults in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with demand remaining high.
- Adoption is more common among females than men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Ultimately, researchers emphasize that while the jabs are potent agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone cure and maintained weight loss likely depends on ongoing behavioural management.
