New research suggests that individuals who discontinue popular weight-loss injections like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on reduced body mass at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop traditional diet and exercise programs.
Findings released in a leading medical journal shows that while obese individuals can lose about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the mass returns at an average rate of nearly a kilo each month upon discontinuation.
"People buying such medications must be aware of the risk of quick rebound weight gain when the treatment is stopped," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of regain suggests a reversion to original mass in about one and a half years.
Analyzing Approaches
The study, which reviewed dozens of studies involving thousands of participants, contrasted the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
The team note that people who lose weight through diet and exercise typically experience a less rapid creep back—perhaps 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
The Reason for the Quick Regain
Experts believe the mode of action of the injections accounts for the heightened rebound.
The injections imitate a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Artificially providing GLP-1 concentrations far above than normal might result in the body to produce less of its own natural GLP-1, and could lessen responsiveness to its actions," said Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Withdrawal of this GLP-1 'fix' means appetite is uncontrolled, making excessive eating a significant risk."
A Chronic Disease?
Health authorities suggest the jabs for people with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside recommended lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians say that, due to the likelihood of weight regain, the treatment might need to be long-term.
This opinion is echoed by drug manufacturers, who say that the results "highlight the chronic nature of obesity," comparing it to managing diseases like hypertension.
Patient Testimonies
Individuals who have discontinued the medication explain a intense return of hunger.
"It was like a trigger that goes on and you're instantly starving," described a patient.
The struggle is exacerbated if users have not adopted permanent lifestyle or habit changes during therapy.
Growing Interest
Recent estimates suggest that millions of people in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with demand remaining high.
- Use is higher among females than men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the highest usage rates.
- Many obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Finally, clinicians emphasize that while the jabs are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent fix and long-term success relies on integrated lifestyle changes.
