A recent study reveals that people who come off popular weight-loss injections like semaglutide or tirzepatide tend to recover lost weight far faster than those who halt traditional diet and exercise regimens.
Findings released in a prominent health publication demonstrates that while overweight people frequently drop about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the weight returns at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"Individuals using these drugs must be aware of the danger of quick rebound weight gain when the medication concludes," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery means a return to starting weight in about a year and a half.
Weighing Therapies
The analysis, which reviewed dozens of trials involving thousands of patients, contrasted the effects of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
Researchers point out that people who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone typically see a slower creep back—perhaps 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
The Reason for the Rapid Rebound
Doctors believe the mode of action of the injections is key to understanding the heightened weight return.
The injections mimic a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which controls appetite.
"Artificially providing the hormone concentrations far above than normal could lead to the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and could reduce responsiveness to its effects," said Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Stopping of this medication leads to hunger is uncontrolled, making overeating far more likely."
A Lifelong Issue?
Health authorities advise the jabs for people with weight-linked health risks, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians argue that, considering the significant potential of weight regain, the therapy might need to be ongoing.
This view is supported by drug manufacturers, who say that the results "highlight the chronic nature of excess weight," comparing it to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
Patient Experiences
Individuals who have discontinued the jabs explain a intense resurgence of cravings.
"It was like a trigger that goes on and you become extremely hungry," recalled an individual.
This challenge is compounded if individuals have not adopted permanent dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Significant Adoption
Survey data show that millions of adults in the UK have used weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with interest continuing to grow.
- Adoption is higher among women than men.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest usage rates.
- Many access the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, clinicians caution that while the jabs are potent agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent cure and long-term success likely depends on ongoing behavioural management.