A recent study reveals that people who stop using popular slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on shed pounds much more quickly than those who halt traditional diet and exercise programs.
Research printed in a major health publication points out that while overweight people often shed a large proportion of their body weight while using the jabs, the mass returns at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month once they quit.
"Individuals using such medications should be aware of the risk of quick rebound weight gain when the therapy ends," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
This pace of recovery means a reversion to starting mass in about one and a half years.
Weighing Therapies
The study, which examined dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, contrasted the outcomes of the injectable medications with conventional dieting.
The team emphasize that individuals who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone usually have a less rapid creep back—around 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.
Explaining the Quick Regain
Nutrition scientists believe the mode of action of the jabs explains the heightened weight return.
The injections mimic a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 concentrations far above than normal may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural GLP-1, and may also reduce responsiveness to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition expert.
"Discontinuation of this hormone supplement results in appetite is unsuppressed, making binge eating a significant risk."
A Lifelong Issue?
Medical guidelines suggest the jabs for individuals with weight-linked health risks, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
Professionals say that, given the significant potential of relapse, the treatment should be considered life-long.
This opinion is supported by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the results "emphasize the persistent character of obesity," comparing it to managing conditions like hypertension.
Patient Testimonies
Individuals who have discontinued the medication report a powerful return of hunger.
"It felt as if a switch flipping and you become starving," recalled a patient.
This difficulty is compounded if patients have not adopted lasting dietary or behavioural modifications during treatment.
Widespread Interest
Figures show that millions of people in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with interest continuing to grow.
- Adoption is greater among females than men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, researchers emphasize that while the jabs are powerful tools for weight loss, they are not a magic cure and lasting health benefits likely depends on ongoing lifestyle support.
