What happens when you stop taking Ozempic?

Ozempic (semaglutide) is an FDA-approved drug for improving blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes and is also used off-label for weight management. Stopping it, particularly after long-term use, can lead to several changes and effects.

Body Changes After Stopping Ozempic

Ozempic, containing semaglutide, is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Upon cessation, you might notice:

• Weight gain due to increased appetite and less satiety
• Increase in blood glucose levels, especially in people with diabetes
• Potential ongoing benefits to heart health despite weight regain
• Reversal of ‘Ozempic face,’ a term describing facial changes from rapid weight loss

Side Effects After Stopping

Common side effects like nausea and diarrhea should decrease after discontinuing Ozempic, although the drug’s long half-life means it may take about 5 weeks to clear from your system.

Stopping Ozempic Safely

Consultation with a healthcare professional is advised before stopping Ozempic to manage withdrawal symptoms and adjust your treatment plan.

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Maintaining Weight After Stopping Ozempic

Maintaining weight after stopping Ozempic involves lifestyle adjustments, despite an increased appetite. Strategies include:

• Regular exercise, as per WHO guidelines
• Making healthy dietary choices, focusing on fiber-rich foods, lean proteins, and healthy fats
• Ensuring adequate sleep to control hunger and manage weight
• Drinking plenty of water to aid satiety and reduce calorie intake

Sources

• Wilding, J. P. H., et al. (2022). “Weight regain and cardiometabolic effects after withdrawal of semaglutide: The STEP 1 trial extension.” Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism.
• Rubino D, et al. (2021). “Effect of Continued Weekly Subcutaneous Semaglutide vs Placebo on Weight Loss Maintenance in Adults With Overweight or Obesity: The STEP 4 Randomized Clinical Trial.” Journal of the American Medical Association.
• Jensen SBK, et al. (2024). “Healthy weight loss maintenance with exercise, GLP-1 receptor agonist, or both combined followed by one year without treatment: A post-treatment analysis of a randomized placebo-controlled trial.”
• “Physical Activity.” World Health Organization (WHO).