What happens after you stop weight-loss injections?
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GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and liraglutide (Saxenda) have become popular treatments for weight loss. These medications help reduce hunger and support significant weight loss in people with obesity or type 2 diabetes. But what happens when someone stops taking them?
A recent review has a clear answer: Most people regain much of the weight they lost.
Why are GLP-1 drugs used in weight loss?
Originally designed for type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 drugs help control blood sugar and reduce appetite. Over time, doctors noticed that patients were also losing weight—sometimes a lot. This led to their approval as weight-loss medications for people who are overweight or obese, even without diabetes.
But these drugs are not a cure. They work only while you’re taking them, and stopping them comes with challenges.
What the study looked at
Researchers reviewed 8 high-quality clinical trials involving over 2,300 people who had taken GLP-1 medications and then stopped. They wanted to know: How much weight do people regain after stopping these drugs?
They also measured changes in waist size and BMI (Body Mass Index), to get a better picture of body fat and health risk.
Key findings: Weight regain is common
The results were clear:
- People who stopped semaglutide or tirzepatide regained about 9.7 kg (21 pounds) on average.
- Those who stopped liraglutide regained around 2.2 kg (5 pounds) on average.
- Waist circumference and BMI also increased after stopping, even when people continued healthy lifestyle habits.
Weight regain was proportional to the amount of weight lost. So, the more someone lost while on the drug, the more they tended to gain back once they stopped.
Why does weight come back?
GLP-1 drugs change how your body responds to hunger and food. Once you stop taking them, appetite returns to normal—or even becomes harder to control. This makes it tough to stick to the eating habits that helped during treatment.
Also, while lifestyle habits like eating well and exercising help, this study found they weren’t enough to fully stop the weight from coming back after discontinuation.
Should these drugs be lifelong treatments?
This is one of the biggest questions in obesity medicine. The review suggests that GLP-1 medications may need to be taken long-term, much like insulin or blood pressure medicine, to maintain their benefits.
But long-term treatment isn’t always easy:
- The cost is high, and insurance doesn’t always cover them—especially for people without diabetes.
- Side effects like nausea or injection fatigue can make some people quit.
- These drugs are typically injectable, although new oral options are being tested.
What can you do if you’re stopping GLP-1 therapy?
If you and your doctor decide to stop the medication, here are some tips to help maintain your progress:
- Increase physical activity, especially strength training to preserve muscle mass.
- Track your eating with a food diary to stay aware of calorie intake.
- Get regular support from a dietitian or health coach.
- Plan ahead for how to manage cravings and hunger.
- Talk to your doctor about other medications or strategies if you begin to regain weight.
Bottom line
Stopping GLP-1 weight-loss drugs often leads to significant weight regain, even when lifestyle changes are continued. This suggests these medications may need to be used as long-term therapy to sustain their effects. If you’re on one of these treatments, it’s important to work closely with your healthcare provider before stopping and have a plan to manage your weight and health moving forward.