What happens when you stop taking Ozempic® or Wegovy®?

What you’ll learn:      

• Stopping Ozempic^® or Wegovy^® can lead to changes in appetite, blood sugar levels, and digestion.
• After stopping these medications, weight changes vary; some maintain their progress while others experience weight gain.
• Long-term success depends on sustainable habits, including balanced nutrition and regular exercise.

If you’ve been taking Ozempic® or Wegovy® for weight loss, you may wonder what will happen when it’s time to come off them. You might be afraid that you will gain some weight back or see a return of cravings. We understand! These GLP-1 medications change how your body processes food and take away hunger, making it easier for you to stick to healthier eating habits. 

Here’s why: They both contain the active ingredient semaglutide, which helps reduce hunger by reducing appetite, slowing digestion, and signaling to your brain that you are full. When you decide to stop, these effects are gone, which can cause hunger to return. 

Noom can help you slowly wean off Ozempic^® or Wegovy^® and help you maintain healthy habits that can keep your weight in check. Coming off these medications doesn’t have to be scary if you do it slowly with a doctor’s guidance and keep an eye on your eating habits. If you use Noom Med, your clinician will be there for you every step of the way to help you taper off safely and adjust your diet and exercise levels as needed.  

No matter why you’re stopping, it’s important to know what changes might occur and to do so safely and healthily for you and your body. The most important thing is to consult your clinician for guidance before you make any changes.  

Note: This advice applies to those taking Ozempic^® or Wegovy^® for weight loss, not for diabetes management. 

Why do people decide to stop taking Ozempic^® or Wegovy^®?

Semaglutide medications are generally safe to continue long-term, but many people do come off them at some point. Let’s look at the main reasons:

• Goal completion: If you’ve reached your goal weight, you might be ready to transition to life without a GLP-1 medication. 
• Side effects: Some people might have difficulty managing the side effects that can go along with these medications. 
• Cost: GLP-1 medications can be expensive, especially if your insurance doesn’t cover them. If you qualify for Noom Med, your clinician can discuss more affordable alternatives, like compounded semaglutide* through Noom GLP-1^Rx.

How do I stop taking Ozempic^® or Wegovy^® safely?

If you’re thinking about stopping Ozempic^® or Wegovy^®, consult your clinician before making any changes. They will likely suggest a safe tapering approach to minimize appetite, digestion, and blood sugar shifts. They will also likely coach you on maintaining healthy eating habits, regular exercise, and stress management to sustain weight loss and prevent rapid regain.

What happens when I stop taking Ozempic^® or Wegovy^®?

When you stop taking GLP-1 medications like Ozempic^® or Wegovy^®, your body goes through both immediate and long-term changes as it adjusts. The immediate changes are usually noticeable within about a week of stopping the medication as it leaves your system.

You could notice:

• Increased hunger: The appetite-suppressing effects of semaglutide will wear off relatively quickly, usually about a week after your last dose. You may notice an increase in hunger shortly after discontinuing the medication as your natural hunger signals return​.
• Digestive shifts: While on semaglutide, digestion slows, allowing you to feel fuller for longer. After stopping, you’ll likely experience a return to quicker digestion and less fullness after meals​.
• Blood sugar fluctuations: Semaglutide also helps regulate blood sugar levels for those with diabetes. When you stop taking Ozempic^® or Wegovy^®, you might notice more frequent blood sugar fluctuations as your body adjusts​. 
• Relief of GLP-1 side effects: When you stop taking GLP-1 medications like Ozempic^® or Wegovy^®, any side effects you were experiencing—such as nausea, vomiting, or other digestive issues—are likely to subside. 

If you’ve been taking Ozempic or Wegovy for a long time, you may notice other changes, like:  

• Energy and mood variations: Long-term energy levels or mood changes may occur as your body adapts. Some people report mood changes after stopping semaglutide. Research shows that GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide can affect brain regions involved in emotional regulation. Some suggest positive effects on mood with long-term use, while others have reported mood disturbances.
• Weight fluctuations: You might regain weight slowly as the medication’s appetite-suppressing effects fade. While lifestyle changes can help you maintain your weight loss, it’s common to see shifts in weight without semaglutide. 

Each person’s body reacts differently to stopping Ozempic^® or Wegovy^®, so it is essential to work with your healthcare provider to navigate this transition. 

Will I gain weight after stopping Ozempic^® or Wegovy^®?

When stopping Ozempic^® or Wegovy^®, some people may experience weight regain, but it’s not inevitable. The changes discussed earlier—such as increased hunger and shifts in digestion—can contribute to weight fluctuations. However, maintaining your weight is possible with the right strategies in place.

Here’s what the research shows:

• More than half of the people who tapered off semaglutide or liraglutide were able to maintain their weight loss for a year​. But, be aware that about 17% of people in the study regained all the weight they lost or more after stopping semaglutide​.

Maintaining weight loss after discontinuing these medications relies heavily on adopting and sustaining healthy lifestyle changes. Balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and mindful eating can all help counteract the effects of increased appetite and potential metabolic changes.

While some weight regain may occur, making sustainable lifestyle changes can help you keep weight off. 

Maintaining weight after stopping Ozempic^® or Wegovy^®: Focusing on lifestyle changes

If you want to maintain your lost weight after stopping Ozempic^® or Wegovy^®, you should focus on healthy lifestyle choices. Even though semaglutide helps manage appetite and promotes weight loss, long-term success comes from your habits. 

Research supports this. One study found that people who stopped taking semaglutide and focused on lifestyle choices even lost a bit of weight​ post-medication. Another study found that incorporating regular exercise with a GLP-1 significantly improved long-term weight stability after stopping it. One year after stopping treatment, people who continued to exercise maintained their weight more effectively than those who discontinued both treatment and exercise.

To sustain your weight loss after stopping Ozempic^® or Wegovy^®, consider these tips:

• Maintain a balanced diet: Focus on nutrient-dense foods like lean proteins, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats. Also, be sure to incorporate plenty of fiber to help you feel full and satisfied. Noom’s color-coded system and food tracker can help you balance everything.
• Build an exercise routine: Even simple activities like walking or cycling can help maintain your progress when combined with healthy eating habits. Work up to 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week and try to add muscle-strengthening exercises twice a week. Check out Noom’s exercise videos for guided workouts for all fitness levels. 
• Do what you can stick to: Building long-term habits requires consistency, so choose healthy foods you enjoy and move in a way that brings joy. 
• Track your progress: Track your meals, monitor your activity levels, and adjust as needed to stay on course. Aim for progress, not perfection.

Tapering off Ozempic^® or Wegovy^®: FAQs

Let’s tackle some common questions about stopping Ozempic^® or Wegovy^®:

Can I stop taking Ozempic^® or Wegovy^® “cold turkey”?

Do not stop these medications abruptly. Your body has gotten used to them, so a gradual decrease is recommended. Always consult with your healthcare provider about the best way to stop for you. 

How long does it take for Ozempic^® or Wegovy^® to leave my system?

These medications remain in your body for a while. It can take about five to seven weeks for them to leave your system after your last dose. You might still feel some of the medication’s effects during this time, but they’ll gradually fade.

Is there a withdrawal period after stopping Ozempic^® or Wegovy^®?

You might notice some changes as your body adjusts to life without the medication. This isn’t exactly withdrawal, but you could experience increased hunger, changes in blood sugar (if you have diabetes), or some digestive shifts. Keep in touch with your healthcare provider if you’re concerned about any symptoms.

Can I restart Ozempic^® or Wegovy^® if I regain weight after I stop?

Yes, it’s possible to restart these medications if you and your healthcare provider decide it’s appropriate. 

What should I do if I want to stop taking the medication for a short period (e.g., holidays)?

It’s best to stick to your prescribed regimen, even during holidays. But if you’re considering a break, always consult your healthcare provider first. They might suggest adjusting your dose or timing rather than stopping completely. Remember, these medications are usually viewed as long-term treatments, so short breaks aren’t typically recommended.

Combining medical and psychological support for lasting success

Transitioning off GLP-1 medications, like Ozempic or Wegovy, can be challenging. You might experience increased hunger, weight fluctuations, or shifts in mood. Noom is here to help you maintain healthy habits and monitor any changes.

If you use Noom Med, you’ll have access to personalized medical guidance along with tools such as meal planning and exercise routines to help you stay on track. Your clinician can help make the transition as seamless as possible.

If you’re considering tapering off Ozempic^® or Wegovy^® due to cost or you cannot find the medication due to shortages, Noom GLP-1^Rx provides a flexible alternative with compounded semaglutide. It contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic, and Wegovy is readily available and can be more affordable. It starts at just $149 per month and will be delivered right to your door.

Noom’s holistic approach combines medical expertise with psychological support, helping you build sustainable habits for long-term success. Your path to lasting weight loss starts here—Noom has you covered every step of the way!

*Compounded semaglutide available on the Noom platform is produced in an FDA-registered facility but not reviewed by the FDA for safety, efficacy, or quality.

Note: Ozempic^® is not FDA-approved to treat obesity or for weight loss.