Fresh analysis reveals that people who stop using popular slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop traditional diet and exercise programs.
Published data in a prominent medical journal points out that while overweight people frequently drop substantial amounts of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the mass comes back at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"Users buying these drugs must be informed of the risk of rapid rebound weight gain when the treatment concludes," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain implies a return to pre-treatment weight within about 18 months.
Weighing Treatments
The analysis, which reviewed dozens of studies involving thousands of patients, compared the results of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
Scientists note that individuals who lose weight through diet and exercise usually have a more gradual weight regain—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping.
Understanding the Quick Rebound
Experts suggest the mechanism of the injections accounts for the amplified regain.
GLP-1 drugs mimic a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls appetite.
"Long-term administration of the hormone levels several times higher than the body's typical production might result in the system to produce less of its endogenous GLP-1, and may also lessen sensitivity to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Discontinuation of this GLP-1 'fix' results in hunger is uncontrolled, making excessive eating far more likely."
A Chronic Issue?
Medical guidelines suggest the injections for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside recommended diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians argue that, considering the significant potential of relapse, the treatment should be considered long-term.
This opinion is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the results "highlight the long-term nature of obesity," comparing it to managing diseases like hypertension.
User Accounts
Users who have stopped the medication explain a powerful resurgence of hunger.
"I experienced something that goes on and you're instantly starving," recalled a patient.
The struggle is worsened if patients have not developed sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Growing Interest
Survey data show that a significant number of adults in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with desire being substantial.
- Adoption is more common among women than men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many access the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.
Ultimately, experts caution that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent solution and maintained weight loss relies on ongoing behavioural changes.
