A recent study suggests that people who come off blockbuster weight-loss injections like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain shed pounds much more quickly than those who halt conventional diet and exercise plans.
Findings released in a leading medical journal demonstrates that while overweight people often shed a large proportion of their total mass while using the jabs, the weight comes back at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"Users buying such treatments must be aware of the risk of rapid rebound weight gain when the medication is stopped," warns expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain implies a reversion to original mass within about a year and a half.
Comparing Approaches
The study, which reviewed 37 of trials involving thousands of patients, compared the effects of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
Researchers point out that people who lose weight through dieting usually experience a less rapid weight regain—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—post-intervention.
The Reason for the Rapid Regain
Nutrition scientists believe the mechanism of the jabs is key to understanding the heightened weight return.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which moderates hunger.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than normal may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and may also reduce responsiveness to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Withdrawal of this medication means appetite is no longer kept in check, making excessive eating a significant risk."
A Chronic Issue?
Medical guidelines advise the injections for people with obesity-related medical conditions, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals argue that, given the high risk of relapse, the treatment should be considered life-long.
This perspective is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the results "highlight the chronic nature of excess weight," comparing it to managing conditions like diabetes.
User Accounts
People who have stopped the medication explain a intense return of hunger.
"I experienced something activating and you become starving," recalled one woman.
The struggle is compounded if users have not adopted sustainable dietary or behavioural modifications during treatment.
Significant Use
Recent estimates show that millions of adults in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with demand continuing to grow.
- Adoption is more common among females compared to males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the highest level of interest.
- Many access the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, experts stress that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful agents for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent fix and long-term success relies on ongoing behavioural management.
