A recent study indicates that individuals who stop using blockbuster slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop conventional lifestyle regimens.
Findings released in a leading health publication shows that while overweight individuals often shed substantial amounts of their body weight while on the medication, the mass comes back at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"People buying these treatments must be cognizant of the risk of rapid rebound weight gain when the medication concludes," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery suggests a return to original mass within about a year and a half.
Comparing Therapies
The research, which looked at 37 of trials involving thousands of participants, compared the results of the injectable medications with older methods.
Researchers point out that individuals who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone usually experience a less rapid creep back—around 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
Explaining the Fast Regain
Experts suggest the mode of action of the jabs explains the amplified weight return.
The injections copy a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which controls hunger.
"Artificially providing the hormone levels several times higher than the body's typical production may cause the body to produce less of its own natural hormone, and may also lessen responsiveness to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Discontinuation of this medication means appetite is no longer kept in check, making overeating much more probable."
A Chronic Condition?
The NHS suggest the jabs for individuals with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by recommended lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians say that, given the likelihood of relapse, the treatment might need to be long-term.
This perspective is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who note that the results "underscore the persistent character of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
User Experiences
Individuals who have discontinued the jabs explain a sudden return of appetite.
"It felt as if something flipping and you become extremely hungry," recalled a patient.
The struggle is compounded if patients have not established lasting lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Significant Use
Recent estimates suggest that a significant number of people in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with desire being substantial.
- Adoption is more common among women than men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion access the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, clinicians caution that while the jabs are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone solution and maintained weight loss hinges on combined behavioural support.
