🔗 Share this article Individuals Coming Off Anti-Obesity Injections Gain Back Pounds at a Quadrupled Rate Compared to People Using Diet and Exercise Obesity treatment involves long-term strategies. A recent study suggests that patients who come off new slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt traditional lifestyle programs. Findings released in a leading medical journal points out that while overweight people often shed substantial amounts of their body weight while on the medication, the weight comes back at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping. "Users using such medications must be aware of the potential of fast rebound weight gain when the treatment concludes," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb. This pace of recovery suggests a reversion to original mass in about one and a half years. Comparing Therapies The study, which looked at 37 of studies involving thousands of participants, compared the effects of these new drugs with other pills. The team emphasize that people who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone usually see a more gradual creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping. The Reason for the Rapid Rebound Doctors suggest the mode of action of the jabs accounts for the heightened weight return. These medications imitate a natural hormone called GLP-1, which controls appetite. "Artificially providing the hormone levels several times higher than the body's typical production may cause the system to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and could diminish responsiveness to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert. "Discontinuation of this GLP-1 'fix' means hunger is uncontrolled, making overeating far more likely." An Ongoing Disease? Health authorities suggest the injections for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes. Professionals contend that, due to the high risk of weight regain, the therapy is often life-long. This view is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who say that the results "emphasize the chronic nature of excess weight," akin to managing diseases like diabetes. Patient Accounts People who have stopped the jabs report a powerful resurgence of hunger. "It felt as if a switch that goes on and you're instantly starving," described an individual. This difficulty is compounded if patients have not adopted sustainable lifestyle or habit changes during therapy. Significant Interest Figures suggest that a significant number of people in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with demand continuing to grow. Use is higher among women than males. The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest usage rates. Many obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS. Ultimately, researchers emphasize that while these medications are potent tools for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone fix and long-term success relies on integrated behavioural support.
Obesity treatment involves long-term strategies. A recent study suggests that patients who come off new slimming jabs like semaglutide or tirzepatide may regain lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who halt traditional lifestyle programs. Findings released in a leading medical journal points out that while overweight people often shed substantial amounts of their body weight while on the medication, the weight comes back at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping. "Users using such medications must be aware of the potential of fast rebound weight gain when the treatment concludes," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb. This pace of recovery suggests a reversion to original mass in about one and a half years. Comparing Therapies The study, which looked at 37 of studies involving thousands of participants, compared the effects of these new drugs with other pills. The team emphasize that people who lose weight through lifestyle changes alone usually see a more gradual creep back—around 0.1 kg a month—after stopping. The Reason for the Rapid Rebound Doctors suggest the mode of action of the jabs accounts for the heightened weight return. These medications imitate a natural hormone called GLP-1, which controls appetite. "Artificially providing the hormone levels several times higher than the body's typical production may cause the system to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and could diminish responsiveness to its actions," explained Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics expert. "Discontinuation of this GLP-1 'fix' means hunger is uncontrolled, making overeating far more likely." An Ongoing Disease? Health authorities suggest the injections for individuals with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside prescribed lifestyle changes. Professionals contend that, due to the high risk of weight regain, the therapy is often life-long. This view is reinforced by drug manufacturers, who say that the results "emphasize the chronic nature of excess weight," akin to managing diseases like diabetes. Patient Accounts People who have stopped the jabs report a powerful resurgence of hunger. "It felt as if a switch that goes on and you're instantly starving," described an individual. This difficulty is compounded if patients have not adopted sustainable lifestyle or habit changes during therapy. Significant Interest Figures suggest that a significant number of people in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with demand continuing to grow. Use is higher among women than males. The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest usage rates. Many obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS. Ultimately, researchers emphasize that while these medications are potent tools for shedding pounds, they are not a standalone fix and long-term success relies on integrated behavioural support.