Fresh analysis suggests that individuals who discontinue popular slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide tend to recover reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt traditional lifestyle programs.
Research printed in a major medical journal points out that while overweight people often shed a large proportion of their total mass while undergoing treatment, the mass returns at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"People purchasing such medications should be aware of the danger of rapid rebound weight gain when the treatment is stopped," stated expert Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of regain means a reversion to starting weight within about 18 months.
Analyzing Treatments
The analysis, which reviewed dozens of trials involving thousands of participants, contrasted the effects of GLP-1 agonists with other pills.
Scientists note that individuals who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone usually have a more gradual creep back—approximately 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
Explaining the Rapid Rebound
Nutrition scientists believe the mechanism of the drugs explains the amplified rebound.
GLP-1 drugs imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which moderates hunger.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than the body's typical production may cause the system to produce less of its own natural hormone, and may also diminish responsiveness to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' means hunger is uncontrolled, making overeating much more probable."
An Ongoing Issue?
The NHS recommend the jabs for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts argue that, considering the significant potential of relapse, the treatment should be considered long-term.
This perspective is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who say that the findings "highlight the persistent nature of excess weight," comparing it to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
Patient Accounts
Individuals who have stopped the jabs report a sudden return of cravings.
"It felt as if something flipping and I was suddenly starving," said one woman.
The struggle is compounded if patients have not developed permanent lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Growing Adoption
Recent estimates suggest that a significant number of people in the UK have tried these injections in the past year, with desire being substantial.
- Adoption is greater among women compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, experts emphasize that while these medications are powerful tools for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone fix and maintained weight loss likely depends on ongoing lifestyle changes.
