Q. When should I consider discontinuing Ozempic or other GLP-1 medications?
A. Patients may choose to discontinue for various reasons including achieving their weight loss goals, side effects, or concerns about long-term use and cost.
Q. What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before stopping Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro?
A. It’s important to talk about your reasons for discontinuation, and especially any side effects you’ve experienced. If you haven't met your weight loss goal, revisit those goals and discuss what other options you have to help you achieve them. It's also important to discuss how to manage your weight without the medication. A referral to a weight loss specialty clinic, dietician or lifestyle coach who can teach you how to manage your weight through daily lifestyle changes, is recommended.
Q. Are there any risks associated with stopping GLP-1 medications?
A. Yes, but in general these risks are not immediately present. If you are using Ozempic or Wegovy to help control Type 2 Diabetes and manage your blood sugar, stopping the medication can cause your blood sugar levels and A1C to increase over time, especially if lifestyle modification hasn't been implemented yet. If you are using GLP-1 medications to lose weight, you may regain the weight lost over the next several months to a year.
Q. How can I manage my appetite and maintain my weight after stopping Ozempic?
A. Discuss alternative strategies such as dietary changes, exercise routines, or counseling for behavioral modifications with your healthcare provider. This is crucial to maintain the weight that was lost and keep it off for life. Discuss an alternative treatment plan with your provider, this might include other types of medications that are safe for long term weight maintenance and control of cravings while you're implementing lifestyle changes.
Q. Will I regain weight after stopping Ozempic, Wegovy or Mounjaro?
A. It’s possible if lifestyle changes aren’t implemented; and it is common. In a recent placebo-controlled study, called STEP1; obese, non-diabetic patients were randomly assigned to take a Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy) or a placebo. The group taking the Semaglutide lost 17% of their weight on average, after 52 weeks of treatment. They were followed after discontinuing the medication, and 2/3 of the treatment group regained the weight they had lost. This tells us that maintaining a balanced diet specific to your calorie needs, and regular physical activity can help mitigate the risk of weight regain. It also highlights the need for maintenance medications and transitional therapy.
Q. Can I replace my injectable medication with something else?
A. There are various alternatives medications that can help transition you off of injectable GLP-1s. The specific type and duration will be tailored to each patient's needs and should be discussed with your healthcare provider. Some dietary supplements, peptides or natural remedies can also be implemented. We recommend working with a provider or clinic that specializes in long term weight loss and maintenance, who can also help you establish a healthy eating and exercise routine.
Q. What follow-up care should I expect after discontinuing Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro or other GLP-1s?
A. Regular check-ins with your healthcare provider can help monitor weight management and overall health as you transition off the medication. If you are on a transitional medication program, follow up should be routinely scheduled at least monthly to monitor for any weight regain, side effects and adherence to lifestyle modification.
Obesity is a chronic condition. Treatment and long term success with your weight loss goals requires a multidisciplinary approach. While the healthcare industry has made big strides in treating obesity and Type 2 Diabetes with injectable GLP-1s, its important to also have a plan in place for maintenance and long term success.
For more information on transitional therapy, go to www.mytriofit.com