Patients Discontinuing Slimming Jabs Put On Weight at a Quadrupled Rate Than Those on Conventional Diets

Fresh analysis indicates that patients who stop using blockbuster weight-loss injections like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain shed pounds much more quickly than those who halt conventional diet and exercise plans.

Findings released in a prominent health publication shows that while overweight people frequently drop substantial amounts of their body weight while on the medication, the weight returns at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.

"Users using these treatments need to be aware of the risk of fast rebound weight gain when the treatment is stopped," stated expert Dr. Susan Jebb.

Such speed of recovery suggests a reversion to starting mass within about 18 months.

Analyzing Approaches

The analysis, which looked at 37 of studies involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with conventional dieting.

The team point out that people who shed pounds through diet and exercise generally have a more gradual creep back—perhaps 100 grams monthly—after stopping.

The Reason for the Fast Rebound

Doctors believe the mechanism of the drugs accounts for the accelerated weight return.

GLP-1 drugs imitate 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 the body's typical production may cause the body to generate a reduced amount of its own natural hormone, and could diminish sensitivity to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.

"Stopping of this hormone supplement results in hunger is no longer kept in check, making binge eating far more likely."

An Ongoing Issue?

Medical guidelines advise the jabs for individuals with weight-linked medical conditions, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.

Professionals contend that, considering the likelihood of relapse, the treatment is often life-long.

This view is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who state that the findings "highlight the long-term nature of excess weight," similar to managing conditions like hypertension.

Patient Accounts

Users who have come off the jabs report a intense return of cravings.

"It was like a trigger that goes on and I was suddenly ravenous," said a patient.

The struggle is compounded if individuals have not established permanent dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.

Significant Interest

Figures indicate that a significant number of adults in the UK have used these injections in the last 12 months, with interest continuing to grow.

• Use is higher among women than men.
• The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
• Many obtain the drugs through private healthcare rather than public health services.

Ultimately, researchers caution that while these medications are effective tools for weight loss, they are not a permanent fix and lasting health benefits hinges on combined behavioural support.