• Weight Management

What Happens When You Stop Taking Ozempic?

Medically reviewed and edited by Dr. Banita Sehgal

The internet is filled with information about the effects of discontinuing Ozempic, but there's no need for alarm.

More people are turning to drugs like Ozempic to manage their weight — and they’re seeing great results. But what happens when you get off Ozempic?

In this article, we’ll explain what you can expect when you stop taking Ozempic, including tips on how to maintain your weight loss results.

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What is Ozempic?

Ozempic (semaglutide) has recently emerged as a notable option for those looking to control blood sugar and support their weight loss efforts.

As a member of the glucagon-like peptide medications, it closely mimics the GLP-1 hormone's function – an essential hormone that regulates blood glucose levels, releases insulin, and promotes digestion.

By slowing digestion, maintaining stable blood sugar levels, and increasing insulin production, Ozempic promotes a longer sensation of fullness.

This mechanism is instrumental for losing weight, as it naturally leads to reduced caloric intake, making it easier to achieve and sustain weight loss.

What Happens to Your Body after You Stop Taking Ozempic?

Ozempic only works while you are using it. Like any other medication, Ozempic stops working once you stop taking it. This often causes a reversal of the results achieved while on the drug.

Originally intended for long-term diabetes management, any of the drug’s weight loss results may only be temporary.

Here are some withdrawal symptoms you can expect when you stop taking Ozempic:

Increased appetite

Taking Ozempic reduces appetite by promoting a feeling of fullness, helping you to lose weight.

However, discontinuing the medication can lead to a return to normal appetite levels, potentially resulting in weight gain if dietary habits are not adjusted accordingly.

People have reported binge eating after going off the drug and many of them regain weight once they’ve stopped using Ozempic — more on this soon.

Decreased side effects

More than 5% of people on Ozempic may experience side effects like nausea, stomach discomfort, diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting.

However, as your body starts to return to its natural state without the influence of Ozempic, these side effects will decrease and eventually stop once you’ve discontinued the medication.

Any side effects may gradually fade over a few days or weeks. If they persist, it's important to consult your doctor.

No more ‘Ozempic face’

"Ozempic face" is a term for the noticeable changes in facial appearance due to rapid weight loss from taking Ozempic, including fat loss in the face.

These changes, resulting in a shrunken, dehydrated, and wrinkled appearance, can be reversed with gradual weight gain or facial fillers done by a professional.

They arise from Ozempic's rapid weight loss effect, which can be minimized by slower, controlled weight loss when taking smaller doses over time.

Additionally, it's important to consider other factors like natural aging, menopause, and individual medical conditions that could also affect the face's appearance.

Regaining weight after having used Ozempic will naturally lead to an increase in facial volume.

Blood sugar spikes

When you stop using Ozempic, its effects, including blood glucose control, will diminish.

This is particularly crucial for diabetic patients who may experience the rebound effect — a recurrence or worsening of symptoms previously managed by the medication.

For example, a patient using Ozempic for blood sugar regulation may find their levels returning to high readings, potentially even worse than before, upon stopping the medication.

This phenomenon affects a small percentage of individuals but can be mitigated by gradually lowering doses and carefully weaning off the medication.

Possible weight gain

Ozempic aids in fat loss primarily by decelerating digestion and prolonging feelings of fullness, leading to reduced caloric consumption.

However, once you’ve ceased taking the medication, its appetite-suppressing effects will also end, causing your normal appetite to return and possibly leading to weight regain.

It's crucial to understand that Ozempic is not a standalone solution for shedding fat. Effective weight loss maintenance requires a holistic approach — which we will discuss soon.

How Do I Keep the Weight Off After Ozempic?

While Ozempic can significantly jumpstart your weight loss journey, you need to consider several other factors to ensure you keep the weight off.

Lifestyle changes

Making the right lifestyle adjustments is crucial. Relying solely on Ozempic for weight reduction is not a long-term solution. Pairing medication with lifestyle modifications is essential for sustainable results.

Diet

Cultivating healthy eating habits and a positive relationship with food is key. It's vital to continue these practices after Ozempic is discontinued. Consulting a dietician can help establish and maintain a balanced diet suited to your needs.

Exercise

Regular physical activity complements Ozempic's fat loss benefits.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that adults participate in 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every week, complemented by muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days of the week.

This not only aids in weight loss but also in maintaining it post-medication.

Improved sleep quality

Adequate sleep, as recommended by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, involves 7-9 hours of quality rest nightly.

Here are some strategies to ensure a restful night:

• Exercise: Engage in physical activity in the morning to boost melatonin release, aiding better sleep. Avoid exercising close to bedtime to prevent becoming too energized.

• Environment: Reserve your bed and bedroom exclusively for sleep and intimacy. Using devices in bed to work or follow social media can lead to poor sleep associations — for example, you’ll associate your bed with work instead of sleep.

• Reduce distractions: Minimize screen time before bed. The blue light from screens can delay sleep onset by stimulating the brain.

• Sleep routine: Establish a consistent sleeping schedule and good sleep hygiene to train your mind to wind down and turn off at the same time each night.

• Control stress: To improve sleep quality, find healthy ways to manage stress, such as journaling, talking it out, or meditating.

• Avoid stimulants: Steer clear of caffeine and alcohol before bedtime as they can disrupt your ability to fall or stay asleep.

Considering alternatives

If Ozempic isn't suitable or if you wish to discontinue its use, there are alternatives.

Options like Wegovy®, Saxenda®, and Mounjaro® may be explored as supplements to your weight loss efforts.

These medications can significantly aid your ability to maintain weight loss and overall health after stopping Ozempic.

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When Should You Stop Using Ozempic?

There’s no way to determine when you should stop using Ozempic, and achieving your goal weight doesn't necessarily mean you should stop taking it.

It's recommended to consider Ozempic as a long-term weight management solution rather than a temporary fix.

After having reached their desired results, individuals may want to continue taking smaller doses under a doctor’s supervision to prevent weight regain.

Speaking to a healthcare provider and registered dietician can help you decide whether you need to go off Ozempic and which lifestyle changes you should be making to maintain your weight loss results.

Can I Take a Break from Ozempic?

You should always consult your doctor before starting, stopping, or pausing any medication — including Ozempic.

Medications are prescribed for specific reasons, and altering your treatment plan without professional advice can have unintended consequences.

Abruptly pausing Ozempic treatment may not only hinder your progress, but could potentially reverse any benefits you’ve gained.

Here are some of the implications of pausing Ozempic, depending on what you’re using it for:

• Weight management: Pausing Ozempic can delay achieving your weight loss goals and you may need to start over at a lower dose.

• Diabetes management: Diabetics who take a break from Ozempic can jeopardize their blood sugar control. A doctor should be consulted if you want to pause Ozempic and try alternative medication to manage diabetes.

Where Can You Learn More About Ozempic and How to Stop Using It Safely?

Are you considering Ozempic for weight loss? There’s a lot of information online about what to expect, but LifeMD can walk you through it all.

With our Weight Management program, LifeMD offers its members access to innovative GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and many more. The program approaches weight loss comprehensively, pairing medications with ongoing clinical support and care, testing, and information that’ll help you lose the weight and keep it off.

Take the first step to a healthier, happier, and more confident you, get started today.

Dr. Banita Sehgal

Dr. Sehgal received her medical degree from Western University in Los Angeles and trained as Chief Resident at White Memorial Medical Center, also in Los Angeles. She’s been practicing medicine for 20+ years and has a specific interest in women’s health.

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