New research suggests that individuals who stop using new weight-loss injections like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on lost weight much more quickly than those who stop traditional diet and exercise regimens.
Findings released in a prominent medical journal shows that while obese people often shed substantial amounts of their body weight while using the jabs, the weight returns at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"People buying such treatments should be aware of the risk of rapid weight regain when the medication concludes," stated researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery implies a return to pre-treatment mass within about a year and a half.
Comparing Approaches
The research, which reviewed dozens of studies involving thousands of participants, compared the effects of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
Researchers emphasize that individuals who lose weight through diet and exercise generally experience a more gradual creep back—perhaps 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
Explaining the Fast Rebound
Nutrition scientists propose the mechanism of the injections accounts for the amplified weight return.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate hunger.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 levels far above than normal may cause the system to produce less of its own natural hormone, and could diminish responsiveness to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' results in hunger is uncontrolled, making binge eating far more likely."
An Ongoing Condition?
The NHS suggest the injections for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
Professionals argue that, due to the significant potential of relapse, the treatment should be considered life-long.
This opinion is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the results "highlight the long-term nature of obesity," comparing it to managing diseases like hypertension.
Patient Accounts
People who have discontinued the jabs describe a powerful return of cravings.
"It felt as if a trigger that goes on and you become ravenous," said a patient.
The struggle is compounded if patients have not established permanent lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Growing Interest
Survey data indicate that a significant number of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with demand remaining high.
- Use is greater among females compared to men.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- Many access the medications through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Finally, clinicians caution that while GLP-1 drugs are potent tools for weight loss, they are not a standalone cure and long-term success likely depends on combined behavioural support.
