The Effects on Your Body When You Stop Using Ozempic

GLP-1 injectables like Ozempic and Wegovy are intended for long-term use in managing diabetes and obesity. These drugs help regulate appetite and slow down digestion, making people feel full longer and helping them eat less. However, weight often returns once the medication is stopped.

A survey by Verywell found that nearly two-thirds of individuals using weight loss medications plan to stop within a year.

Recent research in JAMA Network Open examined data from around 125,000 patients who began GLP-1 medication treatment. It revealed that over 46% of type 2 diabetes patients and nearly 65% without the condition stopped taking the drugs within a year. Many restarted within another year due to weight gain.

Emily Duman, 35 years old from Augusta, GA, used three different GLP-1 medications off-label under her doctor's guidance for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). She maintained Ozempic use due to its weight loss benefits.

She lost 15 pounds but regained the weight after stopping Ozempic to try pregnancy. (Ozempic is not recommended during pregnancy.)

The following year, Duman restarted Ozempic and lost an additional 62 pounds. "This time," she said, "I plan on a maintenance dose combined with regular exercise and a healthy diet."

An analysis in the Obesity journal reviewed hundreds of studies involving 2,372 participants who used GLP-1 drugs alongside lifestyle interventions such as nutrition counseling and exercise.

In summary, those taking semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) or tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) regained 53-63% of their weight despite lifestyle changes after stopping the medication.

A key reason patients stop using Wegovy or Zepbound is that doctors may not adequately explain these drugs are intended for lifetime use, according to Selvi Rajagopal, MD, MPH. She is an obesity specialist at Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore.

GLP-1s treat chronic conditions much like high blood pressure and high cholesterol. "We do not stop medicine once we achieve control over these metrics," Rajagopal remarked about treatment plans for weight management.

"The medication helps correct abnormal hunger signals while also enabling healthy lifestyle adjustments," she added.

Discuss stopping medication with a doctor due to cost or side effects, advised Rajagopal. Establishing healthier habits like diet and exercise is crucial during drug use.

If injectables aren't suitable, more affordable oral weight loss medications exist, although results are slower, Rajagopal explained.

Brian Wojeck, MD, an endocrinologist at the Yale School of Medicine, offers strategies for maintaining weight after stopping GLP-1 drugs. These include weekly 300-minute moderate-intensity workouts and a sustainable diet, effective stress management, and quality sleep.

GLP-1 medications are meant for chronic obesity and type 2 diabetes management, not short-term weight loss. Weight regain is likely if stopped abruptly. Consult healthcare providers before altering treatment plans, exploring alternative options if injectables aren't fitting.