Individuals Stopping Weight-Loss Injections Regain Weight Four Times Faster Than Dieters
New research suggests that patients who come off new weight-loss injections like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on shed pounds much more quickly than those who halt conventional diet and exercise programs.
Published data in a prominent medical journal points out that while obese people often shed substantial amounts of their body weight while undergoing treatment, the weight is regained at an estimated rate of 0.8 kg per month upon discontinuation.
"People buying such drugs must be cognizant of the risk of quick rebound weight gain when the therapy ends," warns lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of regain means a reversion to starting weight in about one and a half years.
Analyzing Therapies
The analysis, which reviewed dozens of studies involving thousands of participants, compared the effects of these new drugs with older methods.
Scientists point out that people who shed pounds through lifestyle changes alone generally have a slower weight regain—around 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.
Understanding the Rapid Regain
Nutrition scientists propose the mode of action of the drugs accounts for the heightened weight return.
GLP-1 drugs copy a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate feelings of fullness.
"Sustained high doses of GLP-1 levels several times higher than normal could lead to the body to generate a reduced amount of its endogenous hormone, and could diminish sensitivity to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a nutrition researcher.
"Withdrawal of this medication leads to hunger is no longer kept in check, making overeating much more probable."
A Chronic Disease?
The NHS recommend the injections for people with weight-linked health risks, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes.
A number of clinicians say that, due to the significant potential of relapse, the therapy is often ongoing.
This view is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who note that the findings "emphasize the chronic character of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like high blood pressure.
User Experiences
Individuals who have discontinued the jabs describe a intense return of appetite.
"I experienced a trigger activating and I was suddenly starving," recalled one woman.
This difficulty is compounded if individuals have not adopted sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Growing Adoption
Figures show that a significant number of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the last 12 months, with interest continuing to grow.
- Use is higher among women compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the highest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than the NHS.
Finally, clinicians caution that while the jabs are effective tools for weight loss, they are not a standalone solution and maintained weight loss relies on combined behavioural support.
