Ozempic Weight Loss: What Happens When You Stop Taking It?

The popular weight loss drug has skyrocketed, but halting use could cause more issues than not

Ozempic, an injectable diabetes medication, has skyrocketed in popularity thanks to its side effect of rapid weight loss. But whether you’re currently taking Ozempic or you’re just trying to decide if it’s right for you, you may be wondering: What happens when you stop taking Ozempic? Do you need to worry about withdrawal symptoms? Will all the weight come back?

There are a few key reasons why people stop taking Ozempic. They may want relief from Ozempic side effects like nausea or severe GI issues, or they may be worried about potential long-term risks. If someone is using Ozempic off-label for weight management — or taking Wegovy, a semaglutide medication that’s FDA-approved for weight loss — they may want to stop once they hit their goal weight. And The surging popularity of Ozempic has caused an ongoing shortage, which can make it hard to access the medication in the first place.

Whatever your reasons are for stopping Ozempic, here are a few physiological changes you can expect.

How Ozempic Works

The active ingredient in Ozempic, semaglutide, works by boosting insulin production and slowing digestion. For people with type 2 diabetes, this helps to maintain healthy blood glucose levels. It also curbs your appetite by helping you to feel fuller longer.

“Ozempic helps control your weight by reducing your appetite and cravings,” says Raj Dasgupta, MD, an ABIM quadruple board-certified physician specializing in internal medicine, pulmonology, critical care, and sleep medicine, and a medical reviewer for the National Council on Aging. But when you stop taking Ozempic or Wegovy, you can expect your appetite to bounce back as the medication wears off.

Potential for Weight Regain

As your appetite comes back, it may be challenging to maintain weight loss. According to a study published in Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism, participants who took 2.4mg of semaglutide (the maximum dosage of Wegovy) for 68 weeks lost between 10 to 20 percent of their body weight. For a 160-pound woman, that’s between 16 and 32 pounds. However, a year after stopping treatment, participants had regained an average of two-thirds of the weight they lost.

Blood Sugar Levels Can Spike

“If you have type 2 diabetes, stopping Ozempic can make your blood sugar go up,” Dr. Dasgupta says. “Over time, not managing your blood sugar well can lead to serious health problems. Poorly controlled diabetes can lead to problems like nerve damage, kidney issues, or heart problems.”

In the study above, 93 percent of participants with prediabetes had normal blood glucose levels after 68 weeks of taking semaglutide. But after stopping treatment for a year, only 43 percent of them were still maintaining normal blood glucose levels — so if you’re taking Ozempic for type 2 diabetes, make sure you talk to your doctor about how to manage blood glucose levels going forward.

Side Effects May Disappear

Semaglutide medications are known for causing some unpleasant side effects, including nausea, sagging skin, and potentially severe gastrointestinal issues. “If Ozempic has been giving you side effects like nausea or stomach problems, stopping or lowering the dose might help you feel better,” Dr. Dasgupta says. But don’t just go cold turkey — talk to your doctor about the best way to gradually taper your dosage.

Blood Pressure Can Rise

According to a review of studies published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, semaglutide significantly lowered blood pressure in people without diabetes. But according to the Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism study above, one year after stopping treatment, systolic and diastolic blood pressure typically went back to where it had been pre-treatment.

Don’t Stop Without Talking to Your Doctor

If you want to stop taking Ozempic, it’s crucial to discuss the decision with your doctor. “If you feel that you don’t need it anymore to manage your diabetes or weight, you must talk to your doctor first,” Dr. Dasgupta says. “They can help you stop safely and manage any health issues that come up.”