What happens when you stop taking Ozempic?

Whether you’re taking it for an approved use, such as type 2 diabetes, or off-label for weight loss, you might be concerned about what happens when you stop taking Ozempic (semaglutide)—that is, of course, if you don’t keep up with the treatment long-term. Like many prescription medications, stopping a drug like Ozempic (semaglutide) or lowering its dose can come with effects on your health. 

Sometimes, drug shortages, changes to your insurance coverage or your financial situation, and other circumstances beyond your control can force you to stop taking medication abruptly or take less than you’re used to. However, stopping Ozempic or reducing your dose should be done under the care of a healthcare provider.

Continue reading if you’re tapering down on Ozempic and want to learn more about Ozempic “withdrawal symptoms,” how to keep the weight off, and more.

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When you stop taking Ozempic, you’ll stop experiencing the therapeutic benefits of the medication, including improved blood sugar control and reduced cardiovascular risk. So, if you’re taking Ozempic for type 2 diabetes, your blood sugar levels may rise. If you’re taking it to reduce the health risks associated with heart or kidney disease, your risk levels may return to baseline levels.  

“When patients discontinue Ozempic (semaglutide), several physiological changes typically occur,” says Markyia Nichols, MD, physician and chief medical officer at Ciba Health. “Most patients experience a return of pre-treatment appetite levels within weeks of discontinuation. Without addressing underlying metabolic, hormonal, and lifestyle factors, weight regain is common. Research shows that approximately two-thirds of lost weight may be regained within the first year after stopping treatment.”

“Some people say they feel significantly hungrier than before [taking Ozempic],” says Ana Reisdorf, MS, RD. “Blood sugar levels may also rise, especially in those using the medication for diabetes management. Most side effects, such as nausea or gastrointestinal discomfort, will resolve once the medication is out of the system.”

Ozempic has proven to be a very effective treatment for managing blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes in people with type 2 diabetes, as well as significantly reducing body weight in people with obesity. However, whether due to the costs of Ozempic, the side effects, the drug’s availability, or another reason, some people may want or need to stop taking Ozempic. 

You should always consult your healthcare provider before you stop taking a prescription drug, including Ozempic. With supply issues and drug shortages, that might not always be possible. If you’re taking Ozempic off-label for weight management or taking other semaglutide-based drugs, some healthcare providers might recommend that you increase the time between injections to avoid running out altogether. The drawback (more on that below) is that you may experience increased hunger or decreased fullness after day seven following your most recent injection. 

Once you stop Ozempic, the benefits from the medication may start decreasing in the weeks following your last injection. Semaglutide, the drug’s active ingredient, has a half-life of about seven days, so it may take up to 35 days for the drug to flush out of your system. 

Here’s a look at what can happen when you stop taking Ozempic. 

1. Your appetite will likely come back

The active ingredient in Ozempic—semaglutide—not only stimulates the release of insulin. It also slows down gastric emptying, so you feel full faster. It’s also thought to further reduce appetite by interacting with areas of the brain in charge of feeling full and satisfied.

“Appetite and body weight often return to pre-medication levels [when you stop taking Ozempic], as Ozempic mimics GLP-1, a hormone that helps control hunger and slows digestion,” Dr. Nichols says. As your appetite returns, it may be more difficult to stick to the lower-calorie diet you adopted when you were on Ozempic, which can lead to weight gain.

2. You’ll probably regain some of the weight you lost

Ozempic should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan that also includes diet and exercise. So, keeping up with your diet and exercise routine can help prevent some of the rebound weight gain that can happen when you stop taking Ozempic. However, your appetite and food cravings will return, so you will likely regain some of the weight you lost on Ozempic. 

For example, one study found that within 68 weeks of taking the highest weekly dose of semaglutide (2.4 mg), individuals lost an average of 17.3% of their body weight. One year after they stopped taking the drug, they regained two-thirds of that weight. It’s important to note that those who regained two-thirds of that weight also stopped lifestyle interventions in addition to stopping the drug. 

“If you don't maintain your diet and lifestyle, you will gain the weight back,” Reisdorf says. The amount of weight gain you experience may depend on how much weight you lost and how long it’s been since you stopped the medication.

3. The appearance of “Ozempic face” may go away

“Ozempic face” is a nonmedical term that describes the gaunt, wrinkled appearance your face can take on when you lose a significant amount of weight in a short period of time. The drooping or sagging of the facial skin can occur because your face holds a lot of fatty tissue, which gives your face volume. But when you lose weight, these fat cells shrink faster than the skin on top of them, resulting in a wrinkled appearance.

While Ozempic face can occur with any kind of weight loss—particularly rapid weight loss—it has become associated with Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications due to the drugs going viral on social media for their potential weight loss effects. Facial fillers can help restore the volume that may occur with weight loss. However, if you regain weight after stopping Ozempic, some of that weight will return to your face, reducing the appearance of Ozempic face.

4. You may experience more blood sugar spikes

As a diabetes drug, Ozempic helps people with type 2 diabetes keep their blood sugar levels in check. When blood sugar climbs after a sugary meal, Ozempic encourages the pancreas to release more insulin to bring it back down. 

If you have type 2 diabetes and you stop taking Ozempic, your body may have a tougher time managing your blood sugar levels, which can lead to blood sugar spikes.

“Blood glucose levels often begin to rise as the medication's effects wear off, particularly in people with diabetes or insulin resistance, since the medication is no longer regulating glucose metabolism and insulin secretion,” Dr. Nichols says. “However, this presents an opportunity to implement sustainable dietary and lifestyle modifications that naturally support glucose regulation.” 

If you have type 2 diabetes, your healthcare provider may have already recommended some of these modifications. Regular exercise, especially workouts that are considered medium- to high-intensity, can help keep blood sugar levels in check, as can following a diet that focuses on low glycemic-index foods. The specific foods your health provider recommends can depend on your age, how long you’ve had diabetes, and other health conditions you may have, such as high cholesterol. Diets that have been associated with a reduction in HbA1c levels include:

• Mediterranean

• Vegetarian

• Vegan

• Low-carb

The extent to which your blood sugar levels rise can depend on several factors, including your adoption of a diabetes-friendly diet and exercise routine and the results you achieved with Ozempic and other medications you are still taking. For example, one small study observed 25 women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who stopped Ozempic but who continued taking metformin, another diabetes medication that can be used off-label to treat certain conditions. Two years after stopping Ozempic, the participants regained about one-third of the weight, which was less than the two-thirds weight regain reported by other studies. However, their blood sugar levels returned to baseline within that same timeframe.

For some people, however, the amount of weight loss they experience on Ozempic may help reverse their type 2 diabetes. To understand how stopping Ozempic may affect your blood sugar levels, talk to your healthcare provider.

5. Other improvements in your cardiometabolic health may reverse

In addition to weight loss, people tend to experience significant improvements to other aspects of their cardiometabolic health when taking Ozempic, including improved cholesterol and blood pressure.

When people stop taking Ozempic, those improvements tend to reverse, according to a study of over 1,900 adults who stopped taking Ozempic after 68 weeks. Upon stopping Ozempic, their systolic and diastolic blood pressure began to increase and returned near baseline levels (where they were when they started the drug) within one year. Their cholesterol also increased in that same time period but was still slightly better than baseline levels. 

The aforementioned study of women who stopped Ozempic (but continued taking metformin) produced similar findings. Within two years, their total and LDL cholesterol had reverted to baseline levels.

6. Ozempic side effects should stop

A 2024 study found that 37% of individuals using GLP-1s for diabetes or weight loss had stopped treatment within a year. According to the researchers, people were more likely to discontinue using the drugs if they developed gastrointestinal side effects (among other factors). Additional research also suggests that adverse GI side effects may be to blame for the high discontinuation rates of medicines such as Ozempic.

If you’re in that boat, you’ll be happy to know that side effects should go away once you stop taking the drug. Dr. Nichols says common side effects like nausea, constipation, and digestive issues typically resolve within 2–4 weeks after stopping Ozempic.

“This recovery period offers a window to introduce gut-healing protocols and optimize digestive function,” Dr. Nichols says. “However, in some cases, conditions such as gastroparesis (slowed digestion) may persist even after discontinuation.”

While stopping Ozempic is not likely to lead to withdrawal symptoms in the sense that you are craving the medication because you are addicted to it (Ozempic is not addictive), you may experience other medical complications once you stop taking the medication, Dr. Nichols says. 

“Common transition effects include increased hunger signals and food cravings, particularly if leptin and ghrelin imbalances remain unaddressed, as well as emotional challenges around eating and portion control,” she says. “Temporary blood sugar fluctuations, anxiety about maintaining weight loss, and digestive system adjustments may also arise.” 

Because the drug is not addictive, “there is no official ‘withdrawal’ from Ozempic, in that you will feel symptoms like headaches like you would with caffeine withdrawal,” Reisdorf explains. With that caveat out of the way, Ozempic “withdrawal symptoms” may include:

• Increased hunger

• Increased food cravings

• Weight regain

• Increased blood sugar levels

If you’ve relied on Ozempic for appetite regulation, the return of cravings and hunger can bring up challenging emotions around food, which can be difficult for some people to adjust to, says Reisdorf. 

Given the drug’s relatively long half-life, it can take up to seven weeks—almost two months—for Ozempic to fully flush out of your system and for these withdrawal symptoms to resolve. 

“To ease this transition, a comprehensive support plan is crucial, focusing on hormonal balance, gut microbiome health, stress management, sleep quality, inflammatory markers, and nutrient deficiencies,” Dr. Nichols says. “Addressing these factors can help minimize discomfort and support long-term metabolic health.”

Weight loss can offer a number of benefits for people dealing with excess weight and obesity, including improved self-esteem and quality of life and mitigating medical conditions linked to excess weight, like high blood pressure. If, for whatever reason, you need to stop Ozempic, there are steps you can take to keep the weight off. 

Stick to your exercise routine

Ozempic is most effective when combined with diet and exercise. Maintaining your exercise routine can help you prevent rebound weight gain after stopping Ozempic. Regular exercise lowers body weight by decreasing body fat and improving muscle mass. 

Exercise provides additional benefits to people with type 2 diabetes, such as improved blood pressure and insulin sensitivity as well as reduced cardiovascular risk.

Follow a healthy diet

While there is no official diabetes diet, avoiding certain eating behaviors and foods—and replacing them with healthier ones—can help you manage both your blood sugar levels and body weight. 

For example, health experts recommend people avoid fatty, fried foods and so-called high glycemic foods like sugars, starches, and refined carbohydrates. Eating more whole foods with high fiber, lots of protein, and a low glycemic index can help you feel full sooner and longer, staving off cravings and weight gain.

Consider Ozempic alternatives 

Around one in four people with type 2 diabetes taking a GLP-1 medication like Ozempic switch to an alternative after the first year of starting treatment. 

One such alternative can be Zepbound (tirzepatide) or Mounjaro (tirzepatide). Both of these medications are GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists, which are commonly grouped with GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic, even though they differ in one key way. GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists mimic two hormones, as opposed to just one, which may help explain their superior effects on blood sugar control and weight loss. Indeed, one study found that people experienced better glycemic control and more weight loss within the first 12 weeks of switching from Ozempic or Trulicity (dulaglutide), another GLP-1, to Mounjaro or Zepbound.

So, if Ozempic wasn’t a good fit for you, it’s possible that an Ozempic alternative could be. Besides Zepbound and Mounjaro, there are several other GLP-1 receptor agonists, a drug class that includes Victoza, Saxenda, Rybelsus, Trulicity, and Wegovy. Some of these drugs are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)to treat type 2 diabetes, while others are approved for weight loss. Most are injectable medications like Ozempic, but Rybelsus is an oral form of semaglutide. These medications improve blood glucose control and slow digestion, which can reduce appetite and lead to weight loss. These can have slightly different side effects and be tolerated differently by different people, so it may be worth talking to your health provider about other options.

Follow weight loss best practices

Every weight loss journey is unique to the individual. However, there are some tried and true techniques that many find effective when managing their weight. Consider whether any of the following weight loss steps may be helpful for you.

• Set specific, sustainable goals that focus on health, rather than weight loss. For example, strive to exercise a set number of days per week, eat a certain number of fruits each day, or limit your alcohol intake. 

• Find ways to stay motivated. Try pairing your treadmill exercise with a favorite podcast, tracking your weight, or asking a friend to help you stay on track. Remember to celebrate the small wins along the way.

• Sleep well. Poor sleep is associated with higher body weight, increased appetite, and reduced insulin sensitivity. Plus, with better sleep, you’ll feel more energized and positive, which helps you stay motivated and stick to your weight loss plan.

• Stay hydrated. Drinking water is essential for our survival, but research suggests that it also helps with skin health, weight management, cognition, and mood. Keep water by your side and drink it throughout the day.

Keep working with your weight loss healthcare team

If you have to stop taking Ozempic (or any other GLP-1 medication), it’s still a good idea to keep working with your healthcare team, Dr. Nichols says. “These providers can order advanced lab tests to understand the underlying issues affecting your metabolic health, including thyroid imbalances and gut health issues.”

Working with one of these providers, says Dr. Nichols, “is a great starting point to getting to the source of weight and blood sugar challenges and reversing them.”

As many as one in four people experience nausea when taking Ozempic, and up to 15% experience vomiting or diarrhea. If you’re one of those people, the side effects should stop once you stop taking the drug.  “Common side effects like nausea, constipation, and digestive issues typically resolve within 2-4 weeks after discontinuation,” Dr. Nichols says.

To minimize side effects, healthcare providers usually start Ozempic at the lowest dose and slowly titrate up the dosage. Side effects are more common when taking higher doses of Ozempic and when increasing your dose. For many, the side effects range from mild to moderate and become less intense and common as their body gets used to the drug. However, for around 4% of people, the side effects can be bothersome enough to lead them to stop taking Ozempic.

You may be able to minimize the side effects of Ozempic by avoiding certain foods while taking Ozempic, such as refined carbohydrates, alcohol, and fried, greasy, or sugary foods and drinks. Also, adjusting your eating habits can mitigate side effects. Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, recommends eating smaller portions, eating more slowly, drinking ice-cold water, and not lying down after meals.

For most people, stopping Ozempic (or any medication that’s meant to be taken long-term) abruptly without a medical reason is not ideal. Stopping Ozempic is not directly harmful, but you may begin to notice weight gain. That’s why stopping Ozempic or other weight loss drugs should be a decision you should come to with the help of your healthcare provider. If your health provider agrees it’s time to stop taking Ozempic, they will provide you with instructions for tapering off your dose. 

In general, you should not stop taking Ozempic without consulting a healthcare provider first. However, there are a few exceptions. For example, if you plan to get pregnant, the FDA recommends stopping Ozempic at least two months before you get pregnant to ensure the semaglutide fully washes out of your system. Also, if you notice any of the following serious side effects, you should stop taking Ozempic and consult a health professional immediately:

• Severe abdominal pain, with or without vomiting

• Changes in vision

• Signs of low blood sugar, such as dizziness, sweating, confusion, slurred speech, rapid heartbeat, mood changes, weakness, or feeling jittery or shaky

• Kidney failure

• Itching, rash, or difficulty breathing, which may indicate a serious allergic reaction to Ozempic

Studies have shown that obesity is a chronic condition best managed with long-term pharmacological treatment, much like high blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, you need to keep taking your medication to keep your blood pressure down—and the same idea applies to treating overweight and obesity with Ozempic. You'll need to stay on the drug to keep seeing weight loss effects from Ozempic. 

If you are worried about a potential gap in your treatment or want to stop taking Ozempic, reach out to your healthcare provider. They will work with you to decide whether it makes sense to change your care plan and how to do so safely.

Stopping Ozempic should be done with the help of your healthcare provider. Dr. Nichols recommends a multi-step approach:

• Gradually tapering off the medication rather than stopping abruptly. Gradually reducing the medication dosage allows the body time to adjust, says Dr. Nichols, and can help reduce the risk of sudden blood sugar spikes and the return of cravings. That being said, it’s worth noting that there currently is no data to suggest that you need to wean the medication (i.e. go down in dose like you had gone up) since the medication weans itself over 4–6 weeks. 

• Addressing other underlying metabolic health issues. These may include insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, hormonal imbalances, gut dysbiosis, environmental toxin exposure, chronic stress, and sleep disruption, Dr. Nichols says. “Monitoring key biomarkers—including fasting glucose, HbA1c, inflammatory markers, thyroid function, cortisol patterns, and gut health markers—helps track progress and guide necessary adjustments.” 

• Making sustainable lifestyle changes that support weight loss and metabolic health. These changes are recommended when taking Ozempic and should be continued when you stop taking the medication. Dr. Nichols recommends adopting an anti-inflammatory diet, maintaining a regular exercise routine, practicing stress management techniques, improving sleep hygiene, and getting support from friends and family. 

“The process for safely stopping Ozempic involves a structured step-down program to ensure a smooth transition while minimizing potential side effects,” Dr. Nichols says. “By following this comprehensive approach, individuals can safely discontinue Ozempic while promoting long-term health and stability.”

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Stopping Ozempic can have a significant impact on your appetite, body weight, blood sugar levels, and overall health. Whether you're interested in stopping due to cost, availability, side effects, or another reason, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider first. They can help you stop Ozempic safely and maintain the progress you've made while on the drug.

• Increased appetite and weight gain are common. After stopping Ozempic, your appetite will likely return to pre-treatment levels, increasing the risk of weight regain, especially if you don’t continue the diet and exercise changes you started while taking Ozempic.

• Blood sugar levels may rise. If you were taking Ozempic for diabetes, stopping the medication can lead to blood sugar increases or fluctuations.

• Cardiovascular health improvements may reverse. If you were taking Ozempic to treat heart disease, improvements in your cholesterol or blood pressure may gradually return to baseline after you stop Ozempic.

• Side effects should subside. Common Ozempic-related side effects, including nausea, typically resolve within a few weeks of stopping the medication.

• Ozempic should be stopped under the guidance of a healthcare provider. Gradually tapering off Ozempic, maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and addressing other health conditions can help you manage the transition off Ozempic and support your long-term well-being.