A recent study indicates that individuals who come off popular slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain reduced body mass far faster than those who stop traditional diet and exercise programs.
Findings released in a leading medical journal points out that while overweight people can lose about a fifth of their body weight while using the jabs, the mass is regained at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"People purchasing such treatments need to be cognizant of the potential of quick rebound weight gain when the medication is stopped," stated researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain means a reversion to starting mass within about a year and a half.
Weighing Therapies
The research, which reviewed 37 of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the effects of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
The team note that people who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone usually see a less rapid creep back—perhaps 0.1 kg a month—once they finish.
The Reason for the Quick Rebound
Doctors believe the mechanism of the injections is key to understanding the amplified rebound.
GLP-1 drugs copy a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates feelings of fullness.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 levels several times higher than the body's typical production could lead to the system to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and could lessen responsiveness to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Withdrawal of this medication leads to appetite is no longer kept in check, making overeating much more probable."
An Ongoing Issue?
Medical guidelines recommend the injections for people with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by recommended lifestyle changes.
Many experts say that, considering the high risk of relapse, the treatment should be considered long-term.
This view is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who note that the results "highlight the persistent character of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like diabetes.
User Experiences
Individuals who have come off the medication explain a sudden resurgence of appetite.
"I experienced a trigger flipping and you become ravenous," described a patient.
This challenge is exacerbated if users have not adopted permanent dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Widespread Interest
Figures indicate that a significant number of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with interest remaining high.
- Adoption is higher among women than males.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Finally, researchers caution that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful agents for weight loss, they are not a standalone fix and maintained weight loss relies on ongoing behavioural support.
