What Happens When I Stop Ozempic?

Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) has become a popular weight loss medication. The weight loss benefits were discovered somewhat accidentally when the medication was prescribed for its original use, diabetes, and prescribers noticed that patients were losing weight. Although this medication is meant for chronic obesity everyone has jumped on the bandwagon. Turning to the weight loss elixir even to lose a stubborn 5 pounds. 

This leaves everyone with a burning question, will I gain the weight back once I stop the medication? The short answer is, probably. Given that these medications are for chronic obesity they are meant to be used long term. Once the goal weight is reached the medication is titrated down to the lowest possible dose where the patient can maintain that weight. If the medication is stopped appetite increases and can result in weight gain, which is not surprising.

With that being said, the medication is an expense causing users to want to wean off of it. I try to encourage patients to use the time that they are on the medication to create a healthier lifestyle. Changing dietary habits and increasing exercise can help increase the chances of keeping a stable weight once the medication is discontinued. 

We partner with a life coach at our office so we can offer a four-week program to build these habits. The program works to establish goals and help you achieve them. This helps maximize your chances of long-term weight loss even without the medication.

For individuals willing to stay on the medication long term the best dose is the lowest dose that works. Sometimes decreasing the dose or expanding the frequency, taking it every other week instead of weekly allows patients to maintain a healthy weight in the safest way possible. 

Emily Weibel, APRN