Some people regain a significant portion of the weight they lost after stopping Ozempic (semaglutide) or similar GLP-1 agonist medications for weight loss. However, some are able to maintain or even continue losing weight after discontinuation.

According to the studies cited:

- In the STEP 1 trial extension study, participants regained around two-thirds of the weight they had lost after stopping semaglutide treatment.[1]

- A survey found that patients who ceased anti-obesity medication like Ozempic reported consuming more calories, leading to weight regain as the appetite-suppressing effects wore off.[4]

- An analysis of health records showed that around 18% of people regained all the weight (5+ lbs) they had lost within a year of stopping semaglutide. However, 56% either maintained their weight loss or continued losing more weight in that period.[5]

- For those who stopped liraglutide (Saxenda), around 19% regained all or more weight within a year, while a similar proportion maintained or increased their weight loss.[5]

So while regaining weight is common after discontinuing Ozempic and similar medications, some people are able to sustain their weight loss through lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, at least in the short term.[1][4][5] Long-term weight maintenance likely requires continued pharmacological treatment for many individuals.[4]

Sources
[1] What happens when you stop taking Ozempic? - Drugs.com https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/what-happens-when-you-stop-taking-ozempic-3575107/
[2] Understanding Weight Regain After Weight Loss Drugs https://www.everydayhealth.com/weight/is-it-possible-to-maintain-weight-loss-after-ozempic-and-similar-drugs/
[3] What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Taking Ozempic? https://www.health.com/what-happens-stop-taking-ozempic-8406764
[4] Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro: How to Maintain Weight After Stopping https://www.healthline.com/health-news/avoid-weight-gain-after-ozempic
[5] Many Patients Who Stop Weight Loss Drug Keep Pounds Off: Study https://www.webmd.com/obesity/news/20240124/many-patients-who-stop-weight-loss-drugs-keep-pounds-off-study