New research indicates that people who stop using popular slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on lost weight far faster than those who halt traditional lifestyle programs.
Published data in a major medical journal shows that while obese people often shed about a fifth of their body weight while on the medication, the mass comes back at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping.
"People purchasing such medications must be cognizant of the danger of rapid rebound weight gain when the treatment ends," cautioned researcher Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery suggests a reversion to starting weight within about a year and a half.
Weighing Approaches
The study, which examined dozens of trials involving thousands of patients, compared the results of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.
The team emphasize that individuals who lose weight through diet and exercise typically have a less rapid creep back—perhaps 100 grams monthly—after stopping.
The Reason for the Rapid Regain
Experts believe the way of the injections is key to understanding the heightened regain.
The injections imitate a body's own chemical called GLP-1, which moderates hunger.
"Artificially providing the hormone concentrations far above than the body's typical production could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and could diminish sensitivity to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition specialist.
"Discontinuation of this GLP-1 'fix' means hunger is uncontrolled, making overeating far more likely."
A Lifelong Condition?
Health authorities advise the jabs for people with obesity-related health risks, accompanied by prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
A number of clinicians argue that, given the significant potential of weight regain, the therapy might need to be long-term.
This opinion is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "emphasize the long-term character of obesity," similar to managing diseases like diabetes.
Patient Accounts
Users who have discontinued the medication report a powerful resurgence of hunger.
"It felt as if a trigger that goes on and you become ravenous," said one woman.
This difficulty is compounded if patients have not established permanent dietary or behavioural modifications during therapy.
Widespread Adoption
Figures suggest that a significant number of people in the UK have used these injections in the past year, with interest remaining high.
- Use is higher among women than men.
- The middle-aged age group shows the greatest usage rates.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Ultimately, clinicians emphasize that while GLP-1 drugs are potent tools for weight loss, they are not a standalone cure and long-term success relies on ongoing behavioural support.
