A recent study suggests that people who stop using blockbuster weight-loss injections like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain shed pounds at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop conventional diet and exercise regimens.
Findings released in a major health publication points out that while overweight individuals often shed 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 once they quit.
"Users buying such drugs must be cognizant of the risk of rapid weight regain when the therapy concludes," warns researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
That rate of recovery means a reversion to original mass within about 18 months.
Weighing Approaches
The study, which reviewed dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the outcomes of these new drugs with other pills.
The team point out that individuals who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone usually experience a more gradual weight regain—around 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
Explaining the Fast Regain
Nutrition scientists believe the mode of action of the injections is key to understanding the amplified weight return.
These medications copy a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 levels several times higher than normal could lead to the body to produce less of its own natural hormone, and could lessen responsiveness to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Stopping of this hormone supplement means appetite is unsuppressed, making overeating much more probable."
An Ongoing Condition?
Health authorities recommend the injections for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians argue that, considering the high risk of relapse, the therapy is often ongoing.
This view is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who say that the findings "highlight the persistent character of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like hypertension.
Patient Accounts
Users who have discontinued the medication describe a intense resurgence of hunger.
"It was like a switch that goes on and I was suddenly ravenous," said one woman.
This difficulty is exacerbated if users have not adopted sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during treatment.
Growing Use
Figures show that a significant number of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with interest remaining high.
- Adoption is greater among females compared to males.
- The middle-aged demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private prescriptions rather than public health services.
Finally, experts stress that while these medications are effective agents for weight loss, they are not a magic fix and maintained weight loss relies on integrated behavioural changes.
