In recent years, GLP-1 weight loss injections have been making headlines and popping up across social media as more and more people have experienced significant weight loss from using them. One of the most talked-about injectable medications in this category is semaglutide, which goes by the names Ozempic and Wegovy.
Ozempic is prescribed at lower doses for managing blood sugar in individuals with type 2 diabetes, and Wegovy is used at higher doses to treat obesity, but both are the same prescription medication, just used in different strengths depending on their purpose.
But what happens if you stop taking semaglutide? Today we are going to talk about how to stop GLP-1 treatments and the potential Ozempic withdrawal symptoms you may experience.
{{cta_button}}
How Do GLP-1 Medications Affect Your Body?
In order to better understand what happens after you stop taking semaglutide, you need to have a good idea of how it works to help you lose weight.
GLP-1 medications like semaglutide help you lose weight by mimicking a hormone that is naturally manufactured and released in your body that regulates appetite and blood sugar.
They work both metabolically and mentally by sending signals to the part of your brain that controls appetite and reward, helping to reduce hunger and cravings while also managing your blood sugar levels. They make you feel fuller for longer, reduce your feelings of hunger, and slow down the emptying of your stomach, which helps you eat less and leads to weight loss.
Why Do People Stop Taking Semaglutide?
According to a combined industry analysis, about 67% of the people who began taking GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide in 2021 had discontinued their use by the 12-month mark.
There are many reasons why these individuals stopped using these GLP-1 agonists, including:
Cost
The high price of GLP-1 medications can be prohibitive, especially if insurance does not cover the cost.
Side Effects
Almost everyone experiences some degree of nausea when they first start using GLP-1 medications, which is why you start on a low dose and gradually increase it over several months. About 7% of people experience severe ongoing side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation, which cause them to discontinue using it.
Poor Weight Loss Results
GLP-1 medications are not effective for everyone, and some individuals do not experience significant weight loss, which is defined as at least 5% of your body weight within a year. Experts suggest stopping the medication if it is not effective after a few months.
Medication Shortages
Ongoing shortages of medications like Wegovy and Ozempic since 2022 have forced some people to stop taking them.
Insurance Coverage Loss
Losing insurance coverage or transitioning to a plan that doesn’t cover these drugs can make them unaffordable.
Short-Term Prescriptions
Some people are only offered limited-term prescriptions, leading to discontinuation when the prescription ends.
Weight Loss Goals Had Been Achieved
When patients reach their weight loss goals, they may choose to discontinue the medication. Some individuals are able to maintain their weight loss by continuing to live a healthy lifestyle (a healthy low-calorie diet combined with exercise). If they return to their old unhealthy habits, they are in danger of regaining weight.
{{cta_small}}
What Happens When You Stop Taking Ozempic Or Other GLP-1 Agonists?
When you stop taking Ozempic (semaglutide), several things can happen depending on why you were using the medication and how your body responds to discontinuing its use. Ozempic withdrawal symptoms may include:
Your Blood Sugar Levels May Rise
If you were taking Ozempic to manage type 2 diabetes, your blood sugar levels may increase after stopping the medication, leading to the return of symptoms like increased thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue. It can also lead to more serious conditions like eye, nerve, or heart disease.
Return of Previous Symptoms
If Ozempic was helping with conditions like insulin resistance, hunger control, or high cholesterol, these issues are likely to resurface once you stop the treatment.
An Increase In Appetite
Many patients reported feeling hungrier than they ever have in their life after stopping their weight loss injections. The GLP-1 medication alters the messages that are sent between the brain and the digestive system that are helping to control their appetite and reduce cravings. When the medication is discontinued, it can create a heightened sense of hunger and make it challenging for them to maintain the weight they had lost while on the injections.
Weight Gain
When used for weight management, Ozempic can help reduce your appetite and keep you feeling full longer, helping you lose weight. After discontinuing the medication, your appetite may return to normal, and you might regain some or all of the weight you lost.
A Step-1 trial that included 1961 adults showed that participants who used semaglutide weekly for 68 weeks regained almost ⅔ of the weight they lost a year after they discontinued the injections as well as their lifestyle changes. Their heart health and metabolic conditions also reverted to what they were before they began GLP-1 treatment.This trial concluded that a case could be made that obesity is a long-term condition and may require ongoing treatment to maintain a healthy weight and the associated health benefits. While this is true for some individuals, during this study these individuals failed to maintain their healthy lifestyle choices after discontinuing the medication.
Possible Digestive Side Effects
Some people experience gastrointestinal side effects after stopping Ozempic, such as stomach paralysis, gas pains, bloating, digestive delays, constipation, etc.
Maintaining A Healthy Weight May Not Be Possible For Some After Stopping Semaglutide
Medication is often required to keep conditions such as high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes under control. For some individuals who suffer from obesity, the same is true for GLP-1 medications. Some people become obese due to unhealthy lifestyle habits and the lack of physical activity, so temporary use of GLP-1 medication along with making healthier choices can help them lose weight. They may be able to maintain their weight through diet and exercise and stop using semaglutide.
For other individuals, the underlying causes of obesity are more complex, and the medication corrects whatever has been impeding their ability to reach and maintain a healthy weight. Discontinuing the medication is going to backfire because the root cause has not been permanently neutralized. These individuals will most likely need to continue the medication long-term.
How To Stop GLP-1 Medications
If you do desire to stop taking these medications with as few side effects as possible, you need to taper off GLP-1 agonists similar to how you gradually worked up to the highest dose. From a medical standpoint, it is not harmful to stop taking this medicine cold turkey, but instead of suddenly stopping GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide, slowly reducing the dosage might be more effective in preventing weight regain. Quitting these medications quickly can trigger intense cravings and make it tough to manage hunger, but a gradual tapering can help you maintain control over your appetite and avoid putting the weight back on. It also helps minimize the chances of experiencing rebound hunger.
Who Can I Talk To About GLP-1 Medications For Weight Loss?
If you are struggling with your weight and any associated metabolic conditions, Batash Endoscopic Weight Loss Center in NYC can help. We have been helping patients for over 30 years overcome their weight loss challenges through less invasive, non-surgical means.
Dr. Steven Batash and his knowledgeable team of professionals can help determine the best weight loss tool for you and your circumstances. It may be GLP-1 medications like semaglutide or a non-surgical weight loss procedure such as Suture Sculpt endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty. Sometimes, a combination of both is what works best. Set up a consultation today and let's talk about your situation and weight loss history and come up with a plan that will help you successfully reach your weight loss goals.
{{cta_button}}
