How to Avoid Ozempic Rebound Weight Gain

I’ve been on Ozempic for a few months to help with weight loss. I’ve been able to lose weight, but the drug is pricey. Now that I’m close to my goal weight, I’m thinking about stopping. Will I gain the weight back if I stop Ozempic? Do I have to stay on the drug forever?

It’s smart to ask these questions. Many weight loss and diabetes medications, including semaglutide (Ozempic or Wegovy) or Tirzepatide (Mounjaro or Zepbound) are meant to be taken long term and even lifelong, but this isn’t always possible. The high cost, low accessibility, side effects and personal preferences can all be reasons to stop taking these medications. In fact, studies have found many people who take Ozempic decide to stop within a year.

Deciding whether to stop taking medication for weight loss is a decision best made with your doctor. If you’re looking to stop taking medications like Ozempic, here’s what to expect, how it affects your body and what you can do to maintain your weight.

What happens when you stop Ozempic?

First, let’s do a quick recap of how Ozempic works in your body. Ozempic mimics your natural GLP-1 hormone, which is released every time you eat. By mimicking this hormone, Ozempic can lower your blood sugar, slow digestion (making you feel fuller) and reduce your appetite (think: no midday snack cravings or food noise).

So, when you stop taking Ozempic, you no longer receive these benefits. It can take a few weeks for the medication effects to disappear, but when it does a few common things can occur:

• Increase in blood sugar levels
• Return of natural hunger cues (including food cravings)
• Weight gain

Will you regain weight after stopping Ozempic?

Let’s get to your main question. While nothing is guaranteed, it is common to regain some weight after stopping Ozempic. A study found many people regain two-thirds or more of the weight they lost within a year of stopping the medication.

Please remember, this isn’t a failure of willpower. This is your body returning to its natural set point for hunger and fullness.

What to do if you’re planning on stopping Ozempic

If you stop taking Ozempic, there are ways to help maintain weight loss and take care of your whole health. 

• Stick with your exercise routine. Continuing movement and activity will help minimize or prevent weight gain after you stop taking a weight loss drug like Ozempic.  
• Eat nutritious, filling foods. Ozempic and other weight loss drugs work by helping you feel full and satisfied. Focusing on eating foods high in protein can help you feel that sensation of fullness after stopping a weight-loss medication.  
•  Connect with a support system. It’s important to consult your doctor when you’re looking to stop a medication, and weight-loss drugs are no different. You can also reach for additional support from a dietitian or personal trainer.
• Give yourself grace. Be gentle with yourself as you find your new rhythm. Some weight gain is common after stopping Ozempic, so try to be kind to yourself if you experience some weight fluctuations. Remember, your worth is not tied to your weight.

Ultimately, deciding whether or not to stop taking weight loss medications is a choice for you to make, with guidance from your doctor.