If you’ve worked hard and achieved amazing results with medications like Semaglutide or Tirzepatide through a medically supervised weight-loss program, you may be wondering: “What happens when I stop?” The good news is: you absolutely can keep the weight off. This guide is designed to help you understand what to expect—and what to do—to maintain your success.
While you were on these medications, you probably noticed far less hunger, fewer cravings, and greater fullness with smaller meals. That’s because GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists and GIP/GLP-1 dual agonists work by slowing gastric emptying, signaling satiety to the brain, and reducing appetite.
According to the FDA-approved prescribing information for Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide), these medications help reduce appetite and food intake by targeting hormones that regulate digestion and fullness.
Once you stop—or significantly reduce—the medication—your body’s natural appetite signals can return to baseline. That doesn’t mean you’ve failed—it simply means your body is functioning without pharmacologic support. A drop in medication means you’ll need to lean more on lifestyle and behavioral supports.
Clinical research confirms this phase is normal: in the STEP-1 extension trial (Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism, 2022), participants regained about two-thirds of their lost weight within one year after stopping semaglutide, while the SURMOUNT-4 trial (JAMA, 2024) reported similar findings with tirzepatide. These results highlight the importance of continued nutrition, exercise, and provider support when transitioning off medication.
Weight regain after GLP-1 therapy can happen for several reasons—not because the medication “was magic” and then you lost it, but because the underlying mechanisms of hunger, metabolism, and behavior need continued support. Common pitfalls include:
What you can do to prevent that:
By combining these habits with your medical progress, you maintain control and keep your results.
The medications might have helped you start—but the long game is built on habits.
Important: Don’t stop GLP-1s abruptly without a plan. Work with your provider or telemedicine team to create a personalized strategy. Possible approaches:
By partnering with your provider, you’re far more likely to maintain your progress.
Muscle is your best friend in the long-term weight-maintenance game.
Sample strength routine (2–3 days/week):
Combine this with your protein-rich diet to keep your body strong and lean.
Remember: medications like Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are powerful tools, but they’re just that—tools. They help you gain momentum and create biological conditions for success, but long-term results come from consistency and behavior change. Think of them as training wheels or a springboard: they help you get going, but your lifestyle keeps you there.
For more context, see Harvard Health Publishing: “What happens after stopping GLP-1 drugs for weight loss” — a helpful, evidence-based summary of what real-world patients experience.
You’ve already proven you can do the hard part—follow treatment and lose weight. Now it’s about consistency.
For evidence-based lifestyle guidance, the American Heart Association and U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Physical Activity Guidelines both emphasize that balanced nutrition, resistance training, and consistent movement are key to maintaining long-term results.
Transitioning off Semaglutide or Tirzepatide doesn’t mean losing progress—it’s your opportunity to move from medication-assisted success to self-sustained wellness. With strong habits, muscle, and mindset, you’ll stay healthy and confident for all the seasons ahead.