What happens when you stop taking GLP-1 drugs

GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy have dominated health headlines, but new research reveals an important caveat. A comprehensive meta-analysis examining data from multiple clinical trials found that weight regain begins as early as eight weeks after stopping these drugs, with participants regaining approximately 60% of their lost weight within a year. Metabolic benefits (improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar) also reverted to pretreatment levels. The mechanisms driving this rebound include increased appetite, reduced energy expenditure, and hormonal changes that favor weight restoration.

From a Functional Medicine perspective, this isn't surprising. These drugs don't address the root causes of weight gain; they manage symptoms. When you remove the medication, the underlying metabolic dysfunction remains.

This doesn't mean GLP-1 drugs have no role to play, but the evidence suggests that people will need to take them indefinitely to maintain benefits. Given the novelty of these medications, some preliminary evidence of adverse effects, and uncertainty about long-term risks, they're not the magic bullet they've been made out to be. For sustainable results, addressing the foundational factors (diet quality, sleep, stress, movement, and gut health) remains essential.

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