What Happens When You Stop Ozempic Stuns Researchers
GLP-1s have been game changers for people with obesity trying to move the needle on the scale and for people with diabetes. Men's Journal spoke with iconic music producer DJ Khaled about his weight-loss journey with Wegovy and his consistent gym routine.
“I know what it’s like to go hard in the gym, eat clean, stay disciplined — put in that work every single day, but still not see the results you want. I’m a father, a husband, and I want to be the best for my family,” he said.
But, with any new drug, there were a lot of warnings about what could happen when starting to suddenly stopping.
- Stopping the prescription would result in gaining all the weight back, plus additional weight.
- Increase in heart conditions that these drugs offset if stopped suddenly
- Risking bone loss without resistance training
- Sexual dysfunction in men
- Severe nausea
- Sagging skin
- Kidney issues
it’s not a one-size-fits all drug, and people have had different levels of success, according to the latest research from the Cleveland Clinic.
Why People Quit GLP-1s
Previous research identified a few reasons why people stopped taking the medications: cost, lack of insurance, or intolerable side effects.
New Research Results
In a study of 8,000 people who discontinued these drugs after 12 months, many were able to keep the weight off through various methods; they found that 45 percent either continued losing weight or maintained their weight. Fourteen percent continued treatment through lifestyle-focused care, working with dietitians and exercise specialists.
Some people regained the weight and either re-started the original treatment or switched to another medication (27 percent).
“Many patients do not give up on their obesity treatment journey, even if they need to stop their initial medication,” said Hamlet Gasoyan, DS, PhD, MPH, a researcher with Cleveland Clinic's Center for Value-Based Care Research, who led the study. “In our future work, we will examine the comparative effectiveness of alternative treatment options for obesity in patients who discontinue semaglutide or tirzepatide, to help patients and their clinicians make informed decisions.”
The findings were published in the Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, journal.