Will I gain weight back if I stop Ozempic?

Question

I've read in the media about people who have gained the weight back when they stop Ozempic. Is this a real concern, or just a matter of managing weight in other ways?

William Bruno, MD · Answer

Yes, it is very likely that you will regain some of the weight once you stop using Ozempic. To minimize the weight gain it’s important to be weaned off the medications and make the necessary lifestyle changes so that you do not regain too much weight. Eating a higher protein diet and resistance training and two key components of a plan to ensure you maintain your weight- and also so that you don’t lose much muscle mass while on the medications. It’s important to have proper counseling on nutrition and exercise so you have great success while on these medications.

I hope this helps.

Best wishes,
Dr.Bruno

I hope this helps.

Best wishes,
Dr.Bruno

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

If you stop taking Ozempic, your body will no longer have the effects of the medication, which includes the increased feelings of fullness and potentially reduced calorie intake. This could make it more difficult to maintain your weight, and some people may experience weight gain after stopping the medication.
However, the key to long-term weight management is a balanced diet and regular physical activity. If you maintain a healthy lifestyle after stopping Ozempic, you can help prevent weight regain.
It's also important to note that everyone's body responds differently to medications and lifestyle changes. Some people may gain weight back after stopping Ozempic, while others may be able to maintain their weight loss.

Brandon Richland, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. Gaining weight after Ozempic can be common, especially if patients are not incorporating healthy eating habits and a good exercise regimen into each day. The medication can suppress your appetite, ultimately reducing how frequent one eats as well as reaching early satiety. If a healthy lifestyle is already incorporated into each day, a proper foundation has been placed to achieve long term results. Once the medication is stopped, appetite can return to normal or at increased levels.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Yes, you can gain weight back after stopping Semaglutide/Ozempic if you do not alter your lifestyle.  In order to maintain your weight loss it is important to adopt a healthy balanced diet and regular exercise program.  Your prescribing physician can help guide you with this.  Visit my website or a provider near you to learn more.

Kevin Chang, MD · Answer

It should be noted that Ozempic, semaglutide, is approved to improve glycemic control in adults with Type 2 Diabetes mellitus, however weight loss has been seen as an added benefit. Wegovy, also semaglutide, is approved for chronic weight management as an adjunct to diet and exercise in patients meeting criteria. Some patients do gain weight back after stopping semaglutide when used for weight loss, however evidence generally points to better sustainability when treatment is paired with a commitment to diet and lifestyle modifications, physiologic adjustments with longer treatment duration, and allowance of habit psychology to take root for repeatable routines.

Jacquelline Leva, DO · Answer

Yes if you stop semaglutide once reach you goal weight you may gain the weight back. I would reccomend starting you on tapering you down to being completely off the medication slowly so you do not gain the weight back so that your body adjusts well

Howard Pyo, DO · Answer

This is due to Ozempic's ability to suppress hunger and delay stomach emptying, both of which aid in weight loss. These benefits wear off when you stop taking it, which may result in an increase in hunger and possible weight gain.After quitting Ozempic, it's critical to maintain a balanced diet, consistent exercise, and other lifestyle adjustments in order to effectively manage weight. It's also a good idea to discuss a long-term weight management strategy with your healthcare physician.

- · Answer

Weight regain after stopping Ozempic (semaglutide) is a common concern. When individuals stop using Ozempic for weight loss, they may experience weight regain if they return to their previous eating and exercise habits. Ozempic can help with weight loss by reducing appetite and promoting feelings of fullness, but these effects may diminish once the medication is stopped. It's important to work with a healthcare provider to develop a plan for maintaining weight loss after stopping Ozempic, which may include adopting healthy eating and exercise habits.

Richard M. Goldfarb, MD, FACS · Answer

Unfortunately, You can regain the weight you lost during your treatment of semaglutide. The GLP1 will not have the same effect as it did on the medication. That is why on our program you will have a clinician track your food and fitness process each week. It sometimes takes months to a year to create a good habit BUT once you have it YOUR weight loss can be maintained.

Beauty Bar - Ooltewah · Answer

Hi there!
As with any weight loss medication, it is highly recommended to improve your diet and exercise to keep weight off post medication, however, with Ozempic and newer weight loss injectables it is rare to gain all your previous weight back. If the patient is solely relying on the weight loss drug to lose weight, they are more likely to regain some of their weight back, but definitely not all. I hope this helps!

Will I gain weight back if I stop Ozempic?

Answers (17)

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