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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.

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GLP-1 drugs -

GLP-1 drugs not only manage blood sugar levels but can also help people reduce or maintain weight.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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Weight regain -

Some research shows that weight gain can happen in people who stop taking GLP-1 drugs. 

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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.

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Appetite can increase -

When you stop taking weight-loss drugs, your appetite will likely return to how it was before you started.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Food cravings may return -

GLP-1 drugs suppress food cravings, although these may return once you have stopped taking the medication.

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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.

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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.

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Mood changes -

Weight regain, cravings, and food noise may also cause some people to experience low moods once stopping GLP-1 drugs.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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. 

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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. 

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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.

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Visit your heathcare provider -

If you're considering stopping weight-loss medication, visit your healthcare provider to make adjustments to your nutrition and lifestyle.

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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.

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Diet changes -

While stopping GLP-1 medication, consider a diet that supports controlling blood sugar and weight loss. 

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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.

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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)

See also: What rapid weight loss can do to the body

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