Ozempic (semaglutide) is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes and reduce body weight in overweight or obese individuals. It has become a popular drug, widely discussed by celebrities and on social media, causing there to be a range of information about its use and effects. This article will explain the uses of semaglutide medications and what happens when the medication is stopped.
- Semaglutide medication, commonly known as Ozempic or Wegovy, is used to treat type 2 diabetes or for weight loss.
- Stopping semaglutide can lead to a range of effects, including an increase in weight.
- When stopping semaglutide, it is best to use professional advice, which may include gradually tapering off the medication and implementing healthy lifestyle changes.
How semaglutide works
Semaglutide is a medication used to manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes and also for weight loss in people who are obese or overweight. Brand-name semaglutide includes Wegovy, which is approved for weight loss, and Ozempic, which is approved for diabetes and, while not approved for weight loss, is often prescribed off-label for this purpose. [1]
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. The body naturally produces the GLP-1 hormone after eating. Semaglutide mimics this hormone, triggering the release of insulin, which helps to regulate sugar levels in the blood. [2]
How it helps with weight loss
Semaglutide helps with weight loss as the GLP-1 hormone also acts on digestion, metabolism, and satiety (feeling full). It acts on the brain to reduce hunger and cravings, signaling to the brain that the stomach is full. It also slows digestion and delays gastric emptying, which causes the individual to feel full and satisfied for longer, thus reducing food intake. [1][2]
These effects can help reduce body weight, which can benefit people with diabetes or who are overweight or obese. It is recommended that semaglutide for weight loss be accompanied by exercise and dietary changes. [2]
Research shows that semaglutide and other similar medications can help obese individuals lose between 15% and 25% of their body weight within one year of treatment. [3]
What happens when you stop taking Ozempic?
When people stop taking semaglutide medications, the effects and benefits of the drug will stop. People taking Ozempic for diabetes may be at risk of worsening symptoms of the disease. It is not recommended to stop taking Ozempic without professional advice and monitoring. [4]
Physical reactions
After stopping Ozempic, the following physical effects can occur: [2][3][4][5]
- Weight is regained: Ozempic reduces appetite, and once the medication is stopped, appetite will likely return to normal, potentially leading to an increase in food intake and weight gain. One study showed that individuals who had used semaglutide for weight loss regained around two-thirds of the lost weight within one year of discontinuing the drug.
- Blood sugar levels spike: As Ozempic regulates blood sugar levels, discontinuing the medication will result in a rapid change, which could worsen the effects of type 2 diabetes, leading to potentially severe health consequences.
- Positive impact on heart and kidneys will stop: Ozempic can have a positive impact on heart and kidney functioning, which will stop once the medication is discontinued, potentially increasing the risk of serious health issues such as stroke, heart attack, or kidney failure.
- Side effects of the medication will stop: Semaglutide medications can cause several side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hair loss, and stomach pain. These side effects will stop when the medication is discontinued.
When to stop using semaglutide for weight loss
It may be necessary to stop using semaglutide medications, such as when adequate weight loss has been achieved or if the medication is causing severe side effects. When stopping semaglutide, it is best to do so under the guidance of a doctor. [3]
You have reached your optimal weight
Generally, weight loss with semaglutide will plateau at a certain point, and further weight loss may not be achieved. If the individual reaches their desired weight or cannot lose any more weight, it may not be necessary to continue taking the medication. However, it is important to prepare for an increase in appetite following discontinuation and utilize strategies to maintain weight. [3]
Your health condition has improved
Sometimes, people with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) will be prescribed semaglutide to help with weight loss, with the aim of restoring regular menstruation. One study showed that low doses can be beneficial for 3-6 month treatments, at which point, 80% of responsive participants experienced normal menstrual cycles. [6]
Your health has gotten worse
If someone taking semaglutide experiences severe side effects that do not go away, it may be unsafe to continue using the medication. Typically, stopping the medication will stop all side effects within a matter of weeks or months. Any other health concerns that occur with semaglutide use should be discussed with a doctor to ensure appropriate treatment is administered. [2]
Your mental health has gotten worse
In some cases, semaglutide can cause changes in mood, including symptoms of anxiety and depression. If these symptoms emerge, particularly if they are severe or if suicidal ideation occurs, semaglutide might need to be stopped. [2]
Pregnancy
Semaglutide may cause harm during pregnancy, including birth defects and miscarriage, so it is not recommended. People who are planning to become pregnant should stop taking semaglutide at least two months before getting pregnant, as it has a long half-life. [1]
Semaglutide may also be passed to breastfeeding infants through milk, which can cause a risk of harm. [1]
What is "Ozempic rebound"?
Ozempic rebound refers to the weight gain that occurs after the medication has been stopped. The individual ‘rebounds’ to their past appetite and calorie consumption, thus gaining weight. Currently, research into Ozempic discontinuation is limited, but some suggest that rebound hunger will be much stronger if the drug is stopped abruptly, rather than slowly tapered. [7][8]
There is evidence to suggest that rebound weight gain will plateau and that the individual will not regain all of their lost weight. This indicates that their natural body weight will be slightly lower than it had been before the commencement of the medication. [3][5]
"Semaglitude withdrawal": Social media and the myth of Ozempic dependence
Ozempic has become so widely talked about, particularly on social media, causing a plethora of myths and misinformation to be shared about the drug. For example, some believe that Ozempic is addictive and can lead to dependence.
Semaglutide does not cause euphoria or cravings for the drug and is administered once per week. It does not cause effects and behaviors that meet addiction criteria. There is no evidence that physical dependence will develop or that discontinuation causes withdrawal symptoms. [5]
Tips for managing Ozempic cessation
People discontinuing Ozempic for weight loss may wish to consider the following tips to help manage their weight and any effects of discontinuing the medication: [3][5][7][8]
- Tapering: Current research about maintaining weight loss after the cessation of semaglutide is limited, but some studies suggest a tapering plan can help prevent fast weight gain. One study shows that individuals tapering off semaglutide were able to maintain their body weight for 6 months. Similarly, tapering off the medication can help reduce sudden physiological changes, such as blood sugar level spikes.
- Diet, exercise, and lifestyle: Ozempic can help people lose weight, but it cannot alter the individual’s attitude towards eating or their lifestyle. It is advised that people using semaglutide for weight loss integrate a reduced calorie intake, regular exercise, and lifestyle change into their weight loss treatment plan. This can then be continued when semaglutide is stopped to help prevent weight gain. It might be necessary to utilize therapies to recognize harmful eating and adapt attitudes, thought patterns, and behaviors around eating.
- ‘Drug holidays’: Anecdotal reports suggest that taking a few weeks or months off the medication before recommencing can help reduce the impact of cessation and keep body weight stable.
When to seek medical advice
People using semaglutide should see a medical professional regularly throughout treatment to monitor side effects, weight loss, dose effectiveness, and other impacts of the medication.
During treatment, it may be necessary to seek medical advice if side effects worsen or persist for longer than a few weeks or months, or if serious adverse effects occur. People should also utilize professional advice about developing and maintaining a nutritional dietary intake, exercise, and other lifestyle changes.
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