🔗 Share this article Users Coming Off Anti-Obesity Injections Gain Back Pounds Far More Rapidly Than Dieters Weight management often requires ongoing approaches. Fresh analysis suggests that people who discontinue blockbuster slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on lost weight much more quickly than those who stop traditional lifestyle regimens. Research printed in a leading health publication shows that while obese people often shed substantial amounts of their body weight while on the medication, the mass returns at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping. "People using such treatments should be cognizant of the risk of fast weight regain when the therapy is stopped," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb. Such speed of recovery suggests a return to pre-treatment weight within about 18 months. Comparing Treatments The study, which reviewed 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the outcomes of these new drugs with conventional dieting. Researchers point out that people who lose weight through dieting typically have a less rapid weight regain—perhaps 100 grams monthly—post-intervention. The Reason for the Fast Rebound Nutrition scientists suggest the mechanism of the jabs is key to understanding the heightened rebound. These medications mimic a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates appetite. "Artificially providing the hormone concentrations far above than the body's typical production might result in the system to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and may also lessen responsiveness to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert. "Discontinuation of this hormone supplement results in hunger is no longer kept in check, making overeating much more probable." An Ongoing Condition? The NHS recommend the jabs for individuals with weight-linked health risks, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes. A number of clinicians say that, given the high risk of relapse, the treatment is often life-long. This view is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who note that the findings "emphasize the chronic character of excess weight," comparing it to managing conditions like high blood pressure. User Experiences People who have stopped the medication report a sudden resurgence of appetite. "It felt as if a trigger activating and I was suddenly starving," recalled a patient. The struggle is compounded if users have not established sustainable lifestyle or habit changes during therapy. Widespread Use Survey data show that millions of people in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with interest remaining high. Adoption is higher among women than men. The middle-aged age group shows the highest level of interest. Many access the medications through private prescriptions rather than public health services. Finally, clinicians emphasize that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent fix and lasting health benefits hinges on ongoing behavioural changes.
Weight management often requires ongoing approaches. Fresh analysis suggests that people who discontinue blockbuster slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide can put back on lost weight much more quickly than those who stop traditional lifestyle regimens. Research printed in a leading health publication shows that while obese people often shed substantial amounts of their body weight while on the medication, the mass returns at an estimated rate of nearly a kilo each month after stopping. "People using such treatments should be cognizant of the risk of fast weight regain when the therapy is stopped," cautioned expert Dr. Susan Jebb. Such speed of recovery suggests a return to pre-treatment weight within about 18 months. Comparing Treatments The study, which reviewed 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of participants, compared the outcomes of these new drugs with conventional dieting. Researchers point out that people who lose weight through dieting typically have a less rapid weight regain—perhaps 100 grams monthly—post-intervention. The Reason for the Fast Rebound Nutrition scientists suggest the mechanism of the jabs is key to understanding the heightened rebound. These medications mimic a body's own chemical called glucagon-like peptide-1, which moderates appetite. "Artificially providing the hormone concentrations far above than the body's typical production might result in the system to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and may also lessen responsiveness to its effects," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert. "Discontinuation of this hormone supplement results in hunger is no longer kept in check, making overeating much more probable." An Ongoing Condition? The NHS recommend the jabs for individuals with weight-linked health risks, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes. A number of clinicians say that, given the high risk of relapse, the treatment is often life-long. This view is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who note that the findings "emphasize the chronic character of excess weight," comparing it to managing conditions like high blood pressure. User Experiences People who have stopped the medication report a sudden resurgence of appetite. "It felt as if a trigger activating and I was suddenly starving," recalled a patient. The struggle is compounded if users have not established sustainable lifestyle or habit changes during therapy. Widespread Use Survey data show that millions of people in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with interest remaining high. Adoption is higher among women than men. The middle-aged age group shows the highest level of interest. Many access the medications through private prescriptions rather than public health services. Finally, clinicians emphasize that while GLP-1 drugs are powerful agents for weight loss, they are not a permanent fix and lasting health benefits hinges on ongoing behavioural changes.