New research indicates that people who discontinue popular slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide tend to recover lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt traditional lifestyle regimens.
Research printed in a prominent medical journal demonstrates that while overweight people can lose about a fifth of their body weight while using the jabs, the weight comes back at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"Users buying such medications should be informed of the danger of quick rebound weight gain when the treatment is stopped," stated expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain means a reversion to starting mass in about 18 months.
Weighing Treatments
The analysis, which examined dozens of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the effects of these new drugs with conventional dieting.
Scientists note that individuals who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone usually see a slower creep back—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Explaining the Fast Rebound
Experts believe the mode of action of the jabs explains the accelerated weight return.
These medications imitate a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls hunger.
"Sustained high doses of the hormone concentrations far above than normal might result in the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and could reduce responsiveness to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Stopping of this medication results in hunger is unsuppressed, making overeating far more likely."
An Ongoing Disease?
The NHS recommend the jabs for individuals with obesity-related health risks, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals argue that, due to the high risk of relapse, the treatment should be considered life-long.
This perspective is supported by drug manufacturers, who say that the findings "underscore the long-term nature of excess weight," akin to managing conditions like hypertension.
User Experiences
Users who have discontinued the jabs describe a powerful return of hunger.
"It was like a trigger that goes on and you're instantly extremely hungry," said one woman.
The struggle is compounded if users have not developed sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Widespread Use
Survey data show that millions of adults in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with desire remaining high.
- Adoption is higher among females than men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, clinicians caution that while GLP-1 drugs are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent cure and long-term success hinges on ongoing behavioural support.
