![What happens when you stop taking weight-loss drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_667048eebeeb7.jpg)
![What happens when you stop taking weight-loss drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_667048d01f042.jpg)
![What happens when you stop taking weight-loss drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_667048d0b43ee.jpg)
![What happens when you stop taking weight-loss drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_667048ea45b6a.jpg)
![What happens when you stop taking weight-loss drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_667048e8c28c1.jpg)
![What happens when you stop taking weight-loss drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_667048efb2ca3.jpg)
![What happens when you stop taking weight-loss drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_667048e4994ea.jpg)
![What happens when you stop taking weight-loss drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_667048d20b872.jpg)
![What happens when you stop taking weight-loss drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_667048e15cc4b.jpg)
![What happens when you stop taking weight-loss drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_667048ed73b94.jpg)
![What happens when you stop taking weight-loss drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_667048e0182d5.jpg)
![What happens when you stop taking weight-loss drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_667048dd7c6a8.jpg)
![What happens when you stop taking weight-loss drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_667048dd4e167.jpg)
![What happens when you stop taking weight-loss drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_667048d2229ca.jpg)
![What happens when you stop taking weight-loss drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_667048f2e0ba4.jpg)
![What happens when you stop taking weight-loss drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_667048da09c6f.jpg)
![What happens when you stop taking weight-loss drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_667048dce38b0.jpg)
![What happens when you stop taking weight-loss drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_667048f702c19.jpg)
![What happens when you stop taking weight-loss drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_667048f728a5f.jpg)
![What happens when you stop taking weight-loss drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_667048de86e9b.jpg)
![What happens when you stop taking weight-loss drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_667048d81b653.jpg)
![What happens when you stop taking weight-loss drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_667048faae974.jpg)
![What happens when you stop taking weight-loss drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_667048f0b8ac9.jpg)
![What happens when you stop taking weight-loss drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_6670493f14c11.jpg)
![What happens when you stop taking weight-loss drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_667048d6af06b.jpg)
![What happens when you stop taking weight-loss drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_667048cf13ea8.jpg)
![What happens when you stop taking weight-loss drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_667048d187e6f.jpg)
![What happens when you stop taking weight-loss drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_667048f823045.jpg)
![What happens when you stop taking weight-loss drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_667048fb8ca39.jpg)
See Also
See Again
© Shutterstock
0 / 29 Fotos
GLP-1 drugs
- Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1) agonists, like Ozempic and Zepbound, manage blood sugar levels and were originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes.
© Shutterstock
1 / 29 Fotos
GLP-1 drugs
- GLP-1 drugs not only manage blood sugar levels but can also help people reduce or maintain weight.
© Shutterstock
2 / 29 Fotos
Not recommended for short-term use
- GLP-1 drugs are not recommended for short-term use. However, many people have to stop using them for a variety of reasons, from reaching their goal weight to cost.
© Shutterstock
3 / 29 Fotos
Not recommended for short-term use
- A recent study found that most people stopped taking GLP-1 drugs within the first three months, which isn't long enough to experience their effects.
© Shutterstock
4 / 29 Fotos
Stopping GLP-1 drugs
- While most healthcare providers believe GLP-1 drugs are safe to quit cold turkey, it's best to inform your doctor before you stop.
© Shutterstock
5 / 29 Fotos
Weight regain
- Some research shows that weight gain can happen in people who stop taking GLP-1 drugs.
© Shutterstock
6 / 29 Fotos
Weight regain
- The body naturally produces GIP and GLP-1, hormones responsible for boosting insulin sensitivity and controlling blood sugar production, among other benefits. While Ozempic and other weight-loss drugs help the body in these efforts, they don't make permanent changes.
© Shutterstock
7 / 29 Fotos
Appetite can increase
- When you stop taking weight-loss drugs, your appetite will likely return to how it was before you started.
© Shutterstock
8 / 29 Fotos
Appetite can increase
- Research suggests that weight-loss drugs don't retrain the brain to resist food or cravings once you stop taking the medication.
© Shutterstock
9 / 29 Fotos
Stopping weight loss drugs
- After stopping weight-loss drugs, you may find yourself hungrier sooner, making it more likely to consume more food and stretch your stomach over time, requiring larger portions to feel satiated.
© Shutterstock
10 / 29 Fotos
Sense of taste may change
- Some people may notice a change in food taste after stopping weight-loss drugs. GLP-1 drugs cause increased taste sensitivity, diminishing the need for overly sweet and salty foods. However, this may return after stopping the medication.
© Shutterstock
11 / 29 Fotos
Food cravings may return
- GLP-1 drugs suppress food cravings, although these may return once you have stopped taking the medication.
© Shutterstock
12 / 29 Fotos
Food noise may return
- Food noise refers to the experience of having constant thoughts or internal chatter about food. While suppressed on Ozempic or Mounjaro, it may return once you stop taking GLP-1 drugs.
© Shutterstock
13 / 29 Fotos
Mood changes
- The link between GLP-1 drugs and mental health is still being researched. However, some studies have shown that people with diabetes are less likely to experience anxiety or depression while taking GLP-1 drugs. These issues could return once the medication is stopped.
© Shutterstock
14 / 29 Fotos
Mood changes
- Weight regain, cravings, and food noise may also cause some people to experience low moods once stopping GLP-1 drugs.
© Shutterstock
15 / 29 Fotos
Insulin spikes
- Monjaro and Ozempic were initially approved for diabetes treatment as the drugs help with insulin levels. People who stop using GLP-1 drugs may experience spikes in their blood glucose levels.
© Shutterstock
16 / 29 Fotos
Gastrointestinal side effects
- Users who experience gastrointestinal side effects when adjusting to the medication may also experience some side effects while their bodies adjust to the absence of the medication.
© Shutterstock
17 / 29 Fotos
Gastrointestinal side effects
- It may take 25 to 30 days for GLP-1 drugs to leave the body completely, and you may experience GI side effects during that time. Consult a healthcare professional if side effects persist beyond this timeframe.
© Shutterstock
18 / 29 Fotos
Rising cholesterol levels
- In a study carried about by Novo Nordisk, people who took semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic) for 68 weeks and then stopped experienced a rise in cholesterol levels.
© Shutterstock
19 / 29 Fotos
Blood pressure changes
- There may be changes to your blood pressure when stopping weight-loss drugs, so it's important to have regular checkups with your healthcare provider.
© Shutterstock
20 / 29 Fotos
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- In a study of women with PCOS and obesity, patients treated with semaglutide and the diabetes drug Metformin achieved weight loss and a decrease in free testosterone levels. Two years after they stopped taking semaglutide, their weight and free testosterone levels remained significantly lower.
© Shutterstock
21 / 29 Fotos
Nutrient absorption
- Some weight-loss medications can change the composition of gut bacteria. Stopping the drugs can lead to shifts in gut flora, affecting nutrient uptake and digestion.
© Shutterstock
22 / 29 Fotos
Avoid stopping and starting weight-loss drugs
- In the past, weight-loss drugs were for short-term use only. Now, obesity is treated as a chronic disease that requires lifelong treatment. Stopping and starting GLP-1 drugs can make you more likely to experience GI side effects.
© Getty Images
23 / 29 Fotos
Visit your heathcare provider
- If you're considering stopping weight-loss medication, visit your healthcare provider to make adjustments to your nutrition and lifestyle.
© Shutterstock
24 / 29 Fotos
Consider alternative forms of anti-obesity medication
- If GLP-1 drugs aren't right for you or you cannot commit to them long-term, speak to your doctor about other forms of anti-obesity medication.
© Shutterstock
25 / 29 Fotos
Diet changes
- While stopping GLP-1 medication, consider a diet that supports controlling blood sugar and weight loss.
© Shutterstock
26 / 29 Fotos
Use a food tracker to journal to track eating
- Use a food tracker to journal to note any cravings, increased appetite, or the types of food you are eating.
© Shutterstock
27 / 29 Fotos
Incorporate exercise
- Incorporate exercise into your lifestyle alongside a healthy diet to mitigate weight regain as you stop taking weight-loss drugs. Sources: (Healthline) (BBC) (Health)
© Shutterstock
28 / 29 Fotos
© Shutterstock
0 / 29 Fotos
GLP-1 drugs
- Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1) agonists, like Ozempic and Zepbound, manage blood sugar levels and were originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes.
© Shutterstock
1 / 29 Fotos
GLP-1 drugs
- GLP-1 drugs not only manage blood sugar levels but can also help people reduce or maintain weight.
© Shutterstock
2 / 29 Fotos
Not recommended for short-term use
- GLP-1 drugs are not recommended for short-term use. However, many people have to stop using them for a variety of reasons, from reaching their goal weight to cost.
© Shutterstock
3 / 29 Fotos
Not recommended for short-term use
- A recent study found that most people stopped taking GLP-1 drugs within the first three months, which isn't long enough to experience their effects.
© Shutterstock
4 / 29 Fotos
Stopping GLP-1 drugs
- While most healthcare providers believe GLP-1 drugs are safe to quit cold turkey, it's best to inform your doctor before you stop.
© Shutterstock
5 / 29 Fotos
Weight regain
- Some research shows that weight gain can happen in people who stop taking GLP-1 drugs.
© Shutterstock
6 / 29 Fotos
Weight regain
- The body naturally produces GIP and GLP-1, hormones responsible for boosting insulin sensitivity and controlling blood sugar production, among other benefits. While Ozempic and other weight-loss drugs help the body in these efforts, they don't make permanent changes.
© Shutterstock
7 / 29 Fotos
Appetite can increase
- When you stop taking weight-loss drugs, your appetite will likely return to how it was before you started.
© Shutterstock
8 / 29 Fotos
Appetite can increase
- Research suggests that weight-loss drugs don't retrain the brain to resist food or cravings once you stop taking the medication.
© Shutterstock
9 / 29 Fotos
Stopping weight loss drugs
- After stopping weight-loss drugs, you may find yourself hungrier sooner, making it more likely to consume more food and stretch your stomach over time, requiring larger portions to feel satiated.
© Shutterstock
10 / 29 Fotos
Sense of taste may change
- Some people may notice a change in food taste after stopping weight-loss drugs. GLP-1 drugs cause increased taste sensitivity, diminishing the need for overly sweet and salty foods. However, this may return after stopping the medication.
© Shutterstock
11 / 29 Fotos
Food cravings may return
- GLP-1 drugs suppress food cravings, although these may return once you have stopped taking the medication.
© Shutterstock
12 / 29 Fotos
Food noise may return
- Food noise refers to the experience of having constant thoughts or internal chatter about food. While suppressed on Ozempic or Mounjaro, it may return once you stop taking GLP-1 drugs.
© Shutterstock
13 / 29 Fotos
Mood changes
- The link between GLP-1 drugs and mental health is still being researched. However, some studies have shown that people with diabetes are less likely to experience anxiety or depression while taking GLP-1 drugs. These issues could return once the medication is stopped.
© Shutterstock
14 / 29 Fotos
Mood changes
- Weight regain, cravings, and food noise may also cause some people to experience low moods once stopping GLP-1 drugs.
© Shutterstock
15 / 29 Fotos
Insulin spikes
- Monjaro and Ozempic were initially approved for diabetes treatment as the drugs help with insulin levels. People who stop using GLP-1 drugs may experience spikes in their blood glucose levels.
© Shutterstock
16 / 29 Fotos
Gastrointestinal side effects
- Users who experience gastrointestinal side effects when adjusting to the medication may also experience some side effects while their bodies adjust to the absence of the medication.
© Shutterstock
17 / 29 Fotos
Gastrointestinal side effects
- It may take 25 to 30 days for GLP-1 drugs to leave the body completely, and you may experience GI side effects during that time. Consult a healthcare professional if side effects persist beyond this timeframe.
© Shutterstock
18 / 29 Fotos
Rising cholesterol levels
- In a study carried about by Novo Nordisk, people who took semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic) for 68 weeks and then stopped experienced a rise in cholesterol levels.
© Shutterstock
19 / 29 Fotos
Blood pressure changes
- There may be changes to your blood pressure when stopping weight-loss drugs, so it's important to have regular checkups with your healthcare provider.
© Shutterstock
20 / 29 Fotos
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- In a study of women with PCOS and obesity, patients treated with semaglutide and the diabetes drug Metformin achieved weight loss and a decrease in free testosterone levels. Two years after they stopped taking semaglutide, their weight and free testosterone levels remained significantly lower.
© Shutterstock
21 / 29 Fotos
Nutrient absorption
- Some weight-loss medications can change the composition of gut bacteria. Stopping the drugs can lead to shifts in gut flora, affecting nutrient uptake and digestion.
© Shutterstock
22 / 29 Fotos
Avoid stopping and starting weight-loss drugs
- In the past, weight-loss drugs were for short-term use only. Now, obesity is treated as a chronic disease that requires lifelong treatment. Stopping and starting GLP-1 drugs can make you more likely to experience GI side effects.
© Getty Images
23 / 29 Fotos
Visit your heathcare provider
- If you're considering stopping weight-loss medication, visit your healthcare provider to make adjustments to your nutrition and lifestyle.
© Shutterstock
24 / 29 Fotos
Consider alternative forms of anti-obesity medication
- If GLP-1 drugs aren't right for you or you cannot commit to them long-term, speak to your doctor about other forms of anti-obesity medication.
© Shutterstock
25 / 29 Fotos
Diet changes
- While stopping GLP-1 medication, consider a diet that supports controlling blood sugar and weight loss.
© Shutterstock
26 / 29 Fotos
Use a food tracker to journal to track eating
- Use a food tracker to journal to note any cravings, increased appetite, or the types of food you are eating.
© Shutterstock
27 / 29 Fotos
Incorporate exercise
- Incorporate exercise into your lifestyle alongside a healthy diet to mitigate weight regain as you stop taking weight-loss drugs. Sources: (Healthline) (BBC) (Health)
© Shutterstock
28 / 29 Fotos
What happens when you stop taking weight-loss drugs?
Are you prepared for the side effects?
© Shutterstock
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 42% of Americans are obese, and 65% say willpower alone isn’t enough for most people who are trying to lose weight. While weight-loss aids have been around for decades, a new class of weight-loss drugs, including brands like Ozempic and Wegovy, has soared in popularity. Around one in eight American adults has used weight-loss drugs, but factors including cost, a shortage of medications, and side effects have made many people stop.
But what happens when you stop taking weight-loss drugs? Fortunately, this gallery contains all you need to know. Click on to discover more.
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
![What are uterine fibroids, and how are they treated?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_667bd979a4e5b.jpg)
![How to optimize the health of your body's microbiomes](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_667952c2d882a.jpg)
![Dangerous first aid myths you need to know](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_667abf017975e.jpg)
![Is filtered water really better than tap?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66210e9c74cdc.jpg)
![Reasons why you wake up with a dry mouth, and what to do about it](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66759080dfe42.jpg)
![Red light therapy: its benefits, side effects, and uses](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_6675393708e3d.jpg)
![How long can you live with untreated hepatitis C?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_6673d384cbb6b.jpg)
![Traditional Chinese medicine methods to boost your health](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_6672dce8b0b0b.jpg)
![How your sleep position is shortening your life](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_6673ce6fc9dbd.jpg)
![What causes bunions, and how can you get rid of them?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_6672e7b50ccc6.jpg)
![An intro guide to skin care routines for men](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_667046d738e0d.jpg)
![What we know about topical steroid withdrawal](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66717945794f3.jpg)
![What is land sickness and what can you do about it?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_6672cc83bd811.jpg)
![Is an enlarged prostate dangerous?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66717dbdf239a.jpg)
![How to relieve pain from trigger points](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_667062f8e6568.jpg)
![What happens when you stop taking weight-loss drugs?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_6670486e467e9.jpg)
![Which countries in Europe rank best in the world for women's health?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_667038bb91333.jpg)
![Which countries have the highest organ donation rates?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_666c1f1c030f1.jpg)
![Different types of cleanses and how they work](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_660ae510ad900.jpg)
![Sensory deprivation and how it works](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66191dfad22a0.jpg)
![The impressive health benefits of rebounding](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_6645ecfb71e6b.jpg)
![The surprising health benefits of smiling](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_6669bc3d9f8a2.jpg)
![What exactly is amyloidosis?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_6669b9394d3fe.jpg)
![The fear of imperfection: Signs you might have atelophobia](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66699f05a71fe.jpg)
![What exactly is functional neurological disorder (FND)?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66509b7702b50.jpg)
![Invisible illnesses: What are they, who do they affect, and how can one cope?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66684d46911ee.jpg)
![Is women's fertility more complicated than we've been led to believe?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66618bd2021c0.jpg)
![Inflammatory bowel disease: symptoms, causes, and everything else you need know](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_666455c57a00d.jpg)
![These vitamins can be dangerous to you](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_6663237a0bc72.jpg)
![What is aromatherapy, and can it work for you?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_6662cf5a5c1dc.jpg)
![Gastritis: causes, symptoms, and treatment](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_6662072f56cd4.jpg)
![What are nootropics? The benefits, side effects, and types](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_665f48a2d707e.jpg)
![What happens when you stop drinking alcohol?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_665ee0a55500b.jpg)
![Ultimate remedies to instantly relieve sunburn](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_665f25b3aea9e.jpg)
![These are the worst US cities for allergy sufferers in 2024](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_666027e85cfa3.jpg)
![Butter, or margarine: which is better for you?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_666018cb28c5d.jpg)
MOST READ
- Last Hour
- Last Day
- Last Week
-
1
CELEBRITY Relationships
-
2
FOOD Global gastronomy
The future of food: 2024 trends and innovations shaping the culinary landscape
-
3
LIFESTYLE Nostalgia
-
4
HEALTH Detox
-
5
TRAVEL Ranking
-
6
-
7
HEALTH Rare disease
-
8
LIFESTYLE Photography
-
9
LIFESTYLE Relationships
-
10
LIFESTYLE Marriage