Fresh analysis reveals that patients who stop using popular slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide tend to recover shed pounds much more quickly than those who end traditional diet and exercise programs.
Findings released in a leading health publication points out that while overweight people often shed a large proportion of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the weight is regained at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"People purchasing these drugs need to be informed of the potential of quick rebound weight gain when the medication is stopped," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery means a return to pre-treatment weight within about a year and a half.
Comparing Therapies
The study, which reviewed dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, contrasted the results of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
Scientists emphasize that people who shed pounds through dieting typically have a more gradual weight regain—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
The Reason for the Rapid Rebound
Experts propose the mechanism of the drugs explains the amplified regain.
The injections copy a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates appetite.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 levels several times higher than normal could lead to the system to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and could lessen responsiveness to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Discontinuation of this GLP-1 'fix' results in hunger is uncontrolled, making excessive eating far more likely."
An Ongoing Issue?
Health authorities suggest the jabs for individuals with weight-linked health risks, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts argue that, given the high risk of relapse, the treatment might need to be ongoing.
This opinion is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the results "underscore the persistent character of excess weight," comparing it to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Testimonies
Individuals who have stopped the medication report a powerful return of appetite.
"It was like something flipping and you become starving," recalled one woman.
This challenge is exacerbated if individuals have not developed sustainable dietary or behavioural modifications during treatment.
Significant Use
Recent estimates indicate that millions of adults in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with desire remaining high.
- Adoption is greater among women than men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, researchers stress that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful tools for weight loss, they are not a standalone cure and lasting health benefits likely depends on ongoing behavioural management.
