Keeping Weight Off After GLP-1s

GLP-1 medications–like Wegovy, Ozempic, and their active ingredient semaglutide–are becoming well-known for their potential as powerful weight loss medications. And whether you already have a prescription or not, you might be wondering how to stop taking this medication safely. Because, big question: what does life look like after Wegovy?

As in, what happens when you stop taking GLP-1s? Or do you have to take them forever?? We’re here to discuss just that! So, read on to learn more about what happens when you stop taking these medications, strategies to help keep weight off after GLP-1s, and if GLP-1 supplements can help.

Is it ok to stop taking GLP-1s?

First things first, it’s important to know that GLP-1 medications are generally meant to be taken long-term. This is because obesity is a chronic health issue–it doesn’t disappear once you’ve reached a goal weight or your weight loss has leveled out.

So, just like you wouldn’t quit taking any other important medication abruptly, don’t stop taking GLP-1s before you discuss the decision with your healthcare provider!

That said, you might stop taking GLP-1 medications, like Wegovy or semaglutide, for a few different reasons. These include medication costs, access issues, side effects like nausea, or if you’re planning on becoming pregnant. Talking with a healthcare provider will help make sure you stop taking GLP-1s safely and they can offer guidance around weight management as you move forward.

What happens when I stop GLP-1 medications?

Maybe you’re already taking Wegovy or maybe you’re just curious about getting a prescription. Either way, it’s natural to wonder what happens when you stop taking GLP-1s! To answer this, it’s useful to know how this medication works for weight loss.

GLP-1 medications can help with weight loss by (1):

• Helping you feel fuller for longer
• Reducing appetite and cravings
• Lowering blood sugar levels

So, when you stop taking GLP-1s, these medication outcomes will stop and your body will return to its natural levels. That means you might feel less full after meals, experience an increase in appetite, and have cravings come back.

Because of this, stopping Wegovy or semaglutide often leads to weight regain. One study showed that one year after participants stopped taking 2.4mg semaglutide, they had regained two-thirds of the weight they had lost. Besides that, they also experienced a return of negative health outcomes including the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure (2).

We definitely don’t love the rebound effect seen after stopping these medications. But, it points to the fact that obesity is a chronic issue that can’t be solved with medication alone. Lifestyle factors still play a major role when it comes to weight management–especially after using GLP-1s.

How can I keep the weight off once I stop GLP-1s?

Once you’ve lost weight with the help of this medication, keeping the weight off after you stop using GLP-1 medications can be a big challenge. Even with lifestyle changes, studies show that weight gain after stopping semaglutide is common (3).

This can make regaining weight after taking GLP-1s seem inevitable. But, keeping the weight off can still be possible! Maintaining weight after stopping GLP-1s requires adopting healthy lifestyle habits that support long-term weight management. And, making these healthy changes a regular part of your routine while taking the medication will help the habits stick once you stop.

Strategies that can help keep weight off include:

• Eat foods that fill you up: Eating a balanced diet is a cornerstone of weight management. And, since GLP-1 medications help you feel fuller for longer, aim to eat foods that do the same! Protein, eggs, legumes, and high-fiber foods all enhance satiety (4). Including fruit and lots of vegetables, and avoiding ultra-processed food, can help keep your appetite in check.
• Exercise regularly: While you’ve probably heard this a thousand times, it’s still important and true. In fact, one study showed that supervised exercise helped participants maintain a healthy weight after they stopped taking a GLP-1 medication (5). Exercise can take many forms, but combining resistance training with a low-calorie diet can have a big impact on fat loss (6).
• Practice mindful eating: Semaglutide can also help you lose weight by interacting with the parts of your brain that tell you you’re hungry (1). So, when you stop taking GLP-1s you might need to pay extra attention to your body’s signals! This means listening to your internal cues to know when you’re hungry and when you’re full–rather than external cues. Mindful eating can help you deal with overeating and help prevent weight gain (7).
• Consider professional help: Taking a GLP-1 medication for weight loss is a big decision–and so is stopping! Consult with a healthcare professional before you stop taking your medication to discuss your options moving forward. Depending on your situation, you might consider meeting with a registered dietician, a personal trainer, or a support group to help you maintain your progress and keep the weight off after GLP-1s.

Can GLP-1 supplements help?

It’s totally natural to worry about regaining weight when you’re thinking about no longer taking Wegovy, semaglutide, or another GLP-1 medication. And, while the results are not the same as prescription medications, well-studied and trustworthy GP-1 supplements can offer some help.

Wisp Metabolic Support & GLP-1 Boost Capsules feature a number of clinically-backed ingredients. When paired with healthy lifestyle choices, this supplement can aid in weight management–either after you’ve stopped taking a GLP-1 medication, or if you’re looking for an alternative option altogether. Let’s look at these ingredients and how they can help.

• EriominⓇ: Eriomin is a citrus extract that may increase your body’s GLP-1 hormone levels–the same hormone that GLP-1 medications like Wegovy mimic! Besides this, Eriomin may help support healthy blood sugar levels, which can reduce cravings and support fat metabolism (8).
• Black ginger extract: Studies have shown that black ginger extract significantly increases calorie burning and helps promote the reduction of belly fat–both of which can help with weight management (9, 10).
• Dihydroberberine: When ingested, this natural plant compound is converted to berberine, which has been shown to help improve insulin sensitivity (11). And, improving your body’s insulin sensitivity supports healthy blood sugar levels and lowers your risk of developing diabetes.
• Lactobacillus paracasei: The gut microbiome has a serious impact on our health–and science is still figuring out all the details! Lactobacillus paracasei is a probiotic strain that supports gut health and may improve digestion and metabolism, which can help with weight management (12).

Keeping weight off after stopping semaglutide or another GLP-1 medication can be a challenge. But, Metabolic Support & GLP-1 Boost Capsules can help by supporting healthy digestion, normal blood sugar levels, and natural GLP-1 hormone levels when transitioning off of prescription GLP-1s. This supplement is not to be taken alongside GLP-1 medication. Instead, pair it with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and plenty of sleep.

Maintaining weight after GLP-1s

Stopping GLP-1 medications may lead to changes in appetite, energy, and other challenges. But, small and consistent steps can make all the difference in helping you maintain your progress. Plus, this journey is so much more than just a number on a scale!

Set realistic goals, appreciate your progress, and surround yourself with a support system for help. And, it’s cringe but true: be kind and gracious to yourself and the incredible body you live in. Discover a weight management plan that works for you with help from providers at Wisp.

Disclosures

1. Wisp is not affiliated and does not sponsor or endorse any company names, logos, or brands shown or mentioned. All product names, logos, brands, and other trademarks or images shown or mentioned are the property of the respective brand owners.

2. ERIOMIN® and ERIOMIN (AND DESIGN)® are registered trademarks of Ingredients by Nature, LLC. and is used by permission (U.S. Reg. Nos. 6,048,696 and 6,593,207).

U.S. Pat. Nos. 10,596,185; 11,197,879; and 11,197,880