What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Taking Ozempic?

Lee explained that the medication is intended for long-term use.

Patients may regain two-thirds of the weight they lost after stopping the medication.2

How Can You Prepare Yourself To Stop Taking Ozempic?
While Ozempic withdrawal symptoms may seem daunting, Lee clarified that not everyone will experience these side effects.

Many who stopped the medication were able to maintain 5% of their initial body weight loss, which still provides health benefits, said Lee.2

That’s why patients must follow up with their providers after stopping the medication so they can be monitored for changes in their blood pressure, blood sugar, appetite, and other lab values, she said.

There are some ways to prepare yourself for the change.

Lee suggests having a dietary program in place and cognitive support to override the potential hunger and cravings.

“Enroll in a nutrition education program while you are on Ozempic for diet reasons,” she said. “And if you are a client with diabetes, have an alternative medication that can help control the sugars.”

She also recommends the following strategies:

Maintain lifestyle changes that help control blood sugar and lose weight.
Use a food tracker or journal to track what you eat.
Consider making more frequent visits with your healthcare provider to focus on nutrition and lifestyle adjustments.
Look into an alternate anti-obesity medication if you and your doctor feel it is appropriate.