What happens if you stop taking a GLP-1?

Why appetite can return

GLP-1-based medicines modify biological pathways involved in hunger and satiety while treatment is being used. When treatment stops, those effects do not necessarily persist at the same strength. For some patients, hunger and food preoccupation can increase again.

Weight regain is not simply a failure of discipline

Weight regulation is biologically defended. After weight loss, changes in appetite and energy expenditure can favour regain. This phenomenon is seen after many forms of weight loss, not only after GLP-1 treatment. Framing regain as a moral failure makes it harder to discuss the actual physiology and to build a sensible maintenance plan.

What studies have shown

Extension and withdrawal studies with modern obesity medicines have demonstrated that stopping pharmacotherapy can be followed by regain of a meaningful proportion of the weight previously lost. The exact amount varies, and a trial average should not be used to predict one patient's future.

Coming off treatment should be a decision, not an event

Patients should discuss why treatment is being stopped, what outcomes have been achieved, what has changed in their health and what support will continue. There may also be circumstances where long-term treatment remains appropriate, depending on benefit, tolerance, approval and individual clinical judgement.

The habits still matter

Nutrition, protein intake, resistance exercise, sleep, self-monitoring and follow-up can help support long-term health regardless of whether medication continues.

The goal is not to suggest that habits can guarantee prevention of regain. It is to make sure the patient is not left without a plan.

The Medara Takeaway

Stopping treatment does not mean failure. However, it is important to understand that the biological drivers of weight regain may return once medication is discontinued. The best approach is one that balances your goals, health needs and long-term sustainability, with support from your Medara clinical team.

References:

• Wilding JPH, et al. Weight regain and cardiometabolic effects after withdrawal of semaglutide: The STEP 1 trial extension. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism. 2022. DOI: 10.1111/dom.14725. PubMed Central (PMC)

• Aronne LJ, et al. Continued Treatment With Tirzepatide for Maintenance of Weight Reduction in Adults With Obesity: SURMOUNT-4. JAMA. 2024. JAMA Network

• American Diabetes Association. Pharmacologic Treatment of Obesity in Adults: Standards of Care. 2026.

Written and clinically reviewed by: Dr Saran Seker, MBBS (Aus), Chief Medical Officer

Last reviewed: September 2026