We earn a commission from brands on this page, which impacts their display. Advertising disclosure

Compare GLP-1 providers

Explainer

What happens when you stop taking a GLP-1?

By the TreatmentMD editorial team

Updated 7 min read

A smiling woman with gray hair tying her shoelace

Key takeaways

  • When you stop, your appetite usually comes back, and some of the weight often follows.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney DiseasesSourceNIDDK. Prescription Medications to Treat Overweight & Obesity. Last reviewed June 2024.Open the source All sourcesCleveland ClinicSourceCleveland Clinic. What happens when you stop taking a GLP-1? September 29, 2026.Open the source All sources
  • That's biology, not a lack of willpower, which is why GLP-1s are usually a long-term treatment.Endocrine SocietySourceEndocrine Society. Endocrine Society issues Scientific Statement on obesity's causes. June 26, 2017.Open the source All sourcesU.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Wegovy® (injection and tablets), Zepbound® and Foundayo™: Indications and Usage; Dosage and Administration; Warnings and Precautions; Use in Specific Populations; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies.All sources
  • A plan with your clinician helps you keep more of your results, whether that's a lower dose, a pill or steady habits.The LancetRandomized trial · 2026SURMOUNT-MAINTAINA year after stepping down to 5 mg, people had kept about two-thirds of the weight they lost, against about two-fifths of those switched to placebo.378 people · 112 weeks: 60 weeks of weight loss, then 52 of maintenance. Adults with obesity, or overweight and a weight-related condition, who lost at least 5% in the first 60 weeks. Funded by Eli Lilly.Tirzepatide for maintenance of bodyweight reduction in people with obesity in the USA (SURMOUNT-MAINTAIN): a multicentre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial. Horn DB, et al., 2026.Read the study All sourcesNature MedicineRandomized trial · 2026ATTAIN-MAINTAINA year after switching from a weekly shot to orforglipron, people kept about three-quarters of the weight they had lost, against under half on placebo.376 people · 52 weeks. Adults who had lost weight on 72 weeks of tirzepatide or semaglutide shots. Funded by Eli Lilly.Orforglipron for maintenance of body weight reduction: the double-blind, randomized phase 3b ATTAIN-MAINTAIN trial. Aronne LJ, et al., 2026.Read the study All sourcesNational Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney DiseasesSourceNIDDK. Prescription Medications to Treat Overweight & Obesity. Last reviewed June 2024.Open the source All sources

By the TreatmentMD editorial team

Maybe you've reached your goal. Maybe the cost adds up, or you're planning a pregnancy. Whatever the reason, it's natural to wonder what happens when you stop.

The short version? Nothing dramatic happens to your body. But your appetite usually comes back, and some of the weight often follows.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney DiseasesSourceNIDDK. Prescription Medications to Treat Overweight & Obesity. Last reviewed June 2024.Open the source All sourcesCleveland ClinicSourceCleveland Clinic. What happens when you stop taking a GLP-1? September 29, 2026.Open the source All sources

The good news is you have options, and a little planning goes a long way.

01What happens

What happens to your body when you stop?

Stopping doesn't usually bring withdrawal symptoms. What comes back is your appetite.Cleveland ClinicSourceCleveland Clinic. What happens when you stop taking a GLP-1? September 29, 2026.Open the source All sources

It also ends any side effects you were having, which is one reason some people stop.Cleveland ClinicSourceCleveland Clinic. What happens when you stop taking a GLP-1? September 29, 2026.Open the source All sources

Here's how it usually goes:

  1. The first few weeks

    The medicine is still in your system, so you may not notice much at first.U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Wegovy® (injection and tablets), Zepbound® and Foundayo™: Indications and Usage; Dosage and Administration; Warnings and Precautions; Use in Specific Populations; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies.All sources

  2. As it wears off

    Food moves through your stomach at its usual pace again, and hunger and cravings drift back toward where they were.U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Wegovy® (injection and tablets), Zepbound® and Foundayo™: Indications and Usage; Dosage and Administration; Warnings and Precautions; Use in Specific Populations; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies.All sourcesCleveland ClinicSourceCleveland Clinic. What happens when you stop taking a GLP-1? September 29, 2026.Open the source All sources

  3. The months after

    Without the medicine, some weight often comes back gradually, mostly over the first year.Diabetes, Obesity and MetabolismRandomized trial · 2022STEP 1 extensionA year after stopping semaglutide, people had regained about two-thirds of the weight they lost, and were still 5.6% lighter on average than when they started.327 people · 120 weeks. Adults from STEP 1, followed for a year after treatment stopped.Weight regain and cardiometabolic effects after withdrawal of semaglutide: the STEP 1 trial extension. Wilding JPH, et al., 2022.Read the study All sources

After months of quiet, hunger can feel louder than you remember. It's normal, and a good time to lean on your habits.

If you have type 2 diabetes, your clinician will plan this with you, so your blood sugar stays on track.U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Wegovy® (injection and tablets), Zepbound® and Foundayo™: Indications and Usage; Dosage and Administration; Warnings and Precautions; Use in Specific Populations; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies.All sources

02Weight

Will the weight come back?

Often some of it, though rarely all of it in the studies.

In the main semaglutide study, people gained back about two-thirds of the weight they'd lost in the year after stopping. The study's diet and activity coaching ended at the same time.Diabetes, Obesity and MetabolismRandomized trial · 2022STEP 1 extensionA year after stopping semaglutide, people had regained about two-thirds of the weight they lost, and were still 5.6% lighter on average than when they started.327 people · 120 weeks. Adults from STEP 1, followed for a year after treatment stopped.Weight regain and cardiometabolic effects after withdrawal of semaglutide: the STEP 1 trial extension. Wilding JPH, et al., 2022.Read the study All sources

Even so, they were still about 6% lighter on average than when they started. About half were still at least 5% lighter.Diabetes, Obesity and MetabolismRandomized trial · 2022STEP 1 extensionA year after stopping semaglutide, people had regained about two-thirds of the weight they lost, and were still 5.6% lighter on average than when they started.327 people · 120 weeks. Adults from STEP 1, followed for a year after treatment stopped.Weight regain and cardiometabolic effects after withdrawal of semaglutide: the STEP 1 trial extension. Wilding JPH, et al., 2022.Read the study All sources

Another semaglutide study found the same pattern. People who stopped after about five months gained some back, while those who stayed on kept losing.JAMARandomized trial · 2021STEP 4Participants who switched to placebo regained weight, while those continuing semaglutide lost a further 7.9 percent.803 people · 48 weeks after randomisation. Adults with overweight or obesity who completed a 20-week semaglutide run-in.Effect of continued weekly subcutaneous semaglutide vs placebo on weight loss maintenance. Rubino D, et al., 2021.Read the study All sources

In a tirzepatide study, people switched to a placebo after about eight months of treatment. Over the next year, they gained back about half of what they'd lost.JAMARandomized trial · 2024SURMOUNT-4After 36 weeks of tirzepatide, people switched to placebo gained back about half of the weight they had lost over the next year, and were still 9.9% lighter than at the start; those who stayed on lost a further 5.5%.670 people · 52 weeks, after a 36-week lead-in. Adults with obesity, or overweight and a weight-related condition, without diabetes, who completed 36 weeks of tirzepatide. Funded by Eli Lilly.Continued treatment with tirzepatide for maintenance of weight reduction in adults with obesity: the SURMOUNT-4 randomized clinical trial. Aronne LJ, et al., 2024.Read the study All sources

They were still about 10% lighter than when they began. Those who stayed on the medicine lost a little more.JAMARandomized trial · 2024SURMOUNT-4After 36 weeks of tirzepatide, people switched to placebo gained back about half of the weight they had lost over the next year, and were still 9.9% lighter than at the start; those who stayed on lost a further 5.5%.670 people · 52 weeks, after a 36-week lead-in. Adults with obesity, or overweight and a weight-related condition, without diabetes, who completed 36 weeks of tirzepatide. Funded by Eli Lilly.Continued treatment with tirzepatide for maintenance of weight reduction in adults with obesity: the SURMOUNT-4 randomized clinical trial. Aronne LJ, et al., 2024.Read the study All sources

Health numbers like blood pressure and blood sugar tend to follow the weight, too.Diabetes, Obesity and MetabolismRandomized trial · 2022STEP 1 extensionA year after stopping semaglutide, people had regained about two-thirds of the weight they lost, and were still 5.6% lighter on average than when they started.327 people · 120 weeks. Adults from STEP 1, followed for a year after treatment stopped.Weight regain and cardiometabolic effects after withdrawal of semaglutide: the STEP 1 trial extension. Wilding JPH, et al., 2022.Read the study All sourcesJAMARandomized trial · 2024SURMOUNT-4After 36 weeks of tirzepatide, people switched to placebo gained back about half of the weight they had lost over the next year, and were still 9.9% lighter than at the start; those who stayed on lost a further 5.5%.670 people · 52 weeks, after a 36-week lead-in. Adults with obesity, or overweight and a weight-related condition, without diabetes, who completed 36 weeks of tirzepatide. Funded by Eli Lilly.Continued treatment with tirzepatide for maintenance of weight reduction in adults with obesity: the SURMOUNT-4 randomized clinical trial. Aronne LJ, et al., 2024.Read the study All sources

Results vary from person to person, and the habits you keep can help you hold on to more.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney DiseasesSourceNIDDK. Prescription Medications to Treat Overweight & Obesity. Last reviewed June 2024.Open the source All sources

So stopping doesn't undo your progress overnight, and with a plan, you can keep more of it.

03Why it happens

Why does the weight come back?

GLP-1s work while you take them. They quiet hunger and help you feel full sooner, and when the medicine goes, those signals return.U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Wegovy® (injection and tablets), Zepbound® and Foundayo™: Indications and Usage; Dosage and Administration; Warnings and Precautions; Use in Specific Populations; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies.All sourcesCleveland ClinicSourceCleveland Clinic. What happens when you stop taking a GLP-1? September 29, 2026.Open the source All sources

Your body also pushes back after weight loss. It burns a little less energy and feels a little hungrier, as if it's defending its old weight.Endocrine SocietySourceEndocrine Society. Endocrine Society issues Scientific Statement on obesity's causes. June 26, 2017.Open the source All sources

That's the body's expected response, not a sign you've done anything wrong.Endocrine SocietySourceEndocrine Society. Endocrine Society issues Scientific Statement on obesity's causes. June 26, 2017.Open the source All sources

It's also why GLP-1s are usually a long-term treatment. You can stay on one as long as it's helping.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney DiseasesSourceNIDDK. Prescription Medications to Treat Overweight & Obesity. Last reviewed June 2024.Open the source All sources Their labels describe them as helping you keep weight off long term.U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Wegovy® (injection and tablets), Zepbound® and Foundayo™: Indications and Usage; Dosage and Administration; Warnings and Precautions; Use in Specific Populations; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies.All sources

04Reasons

Why do people stop, and what can help?

People stop for all sorts of reasons. Here are the most common, and what can help:

  1. Cost

    It's the most common reason people stop.ObesitySourceGasoyan H, Butsch WS, Casacchia NJ, et al. Reasons for discontinuation of obesity pharmacotherapy with semaglutide or tirzepatide in clinical practice. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2025;33(12):2296-2303.Open the source All sources Cash-pay programs and compounded medicine can make staying on more affordable.

  2. Side effects

    Your clinician can slow your dose steps or settle on a lower dose.U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Wegovy® (injection and tablets), Zepbound® and Foundayo™: Indications and Usage; Dosage and Administration; Warnings and Precautions; Use in Specific Populations; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies.All sources Our side effects article has habits that help.

  3. Reaching your goal

    A lower dose or a daily pill may help you hold on to your results. There's more on that below.

  4. Planning a pregnancy

    Talk to your clinician early. With Wegovy®, the label advises stopping at least two months before you try.U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Wegovy® (injection and tablets), Zepbound® and Foundayo™: Indications and Usage; Dosage and Administration; Warnings and Precautions; Use in Specific Populations; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies.All sources

If cost is the reason, it's worth comparing before you stop. At the programs we rank, compounded semaglutide starts at $49 a month and tirzepatide at $89. We checked in early October 2026.

05In-between options

Can you stay on a lower dose or switch to a pill?

A smiling woman in a white blouse holding a small vial

Stopping isn't all or nothing. Two in-between options have been tested in studies.

One is a lower dose. In a 2026 study, people stepped down from their full Zepbound® dose to 5 mg. A year later, they'd kept about two-thirds of the weight they'd lost, against about two-fifths for those switched to a placebo.The LancetRandomized trial · 2026SURMOUNT-MAINTAINA year after stepping down to 5 mg, people had kept about two-thirds of the weight they lost, against about two-fifths of those switched to placebo.378 people · 112 weeks: 60 weeks of weight loss, then 52 of maintenance. Adults with obesity, or overweight and a weight-related condition, who lost at least 5% in the first 60 weeks. Funded by Eli Lilly.Tirzepatide for maintenance of bodyweight reduction in people with obesity in the USA (SURMOUNT-MAINTAIN): a multicentre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial. Horn DB, et al., 2026.Read the study All sources

The other is a daily pill. In another study, people moved from a weekly shot to Foundayo™. A year later, they'd kept about three-quarters to four-fifths of their loss, against about half or less on a placebo.Nature MedicineRandomized trial · 2026ATTAIN-MAINTAINA year after switching from a weekly shot to orforglipron, people kept about three-quarters of the weight they had lost, against under half on placebo.376 people · 52 weeks. Adults who had lost weight on 72 weeks of tirzepatide or semaglutide shots. Funded by Eli Lilly.Orforglipron for maintenance of body weight reduction: the double-blind, randomized phase 3b ATTAIN-MAINTAIN trial. Aronne LJ, et al., 2026.Read the study All sources

The Wegovy® label also explains how to move from the weekly shot to the daily pill.U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Wegovy® (injection and tablets), Zepbound® and Foundayo™: Indications and Usage; Dosage and Administration; Warnings and Precautions; Use in Specific Populations; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies.All sources

Some programs offer lower-dose maintenance plans too. A lower dose suits some people better than others, so your clinician will help you find what fits.The LancetRandomized trial · 2026SURMOUNT-MAINTAINA year after stepping down to 5 mg, people had kept about two-thirds of the weight they lost, against about two-fifths of those switched to placebo.378 people · 112 weeks: 60 weeks of weight loss, then 52 of maintenance. Adults with obesity, or overweight and a weight-related condition, who lost at least 5% in the first 60 weeks. Funded by Eli Lilly.Tirzepatide for maintenance of bodyweight reduction in people with obesity in the USA (SURMOUNT-MAINTAIN): a multicentre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial. Horn DB, et al., 2026.Read the study All sources

06Habits

What helps you keep the weight off?

The habits you build while you're on the medicine are the ones that carry you after you stop.Obesity PillarsSourceMozaffarian D, Agarwal M, Aggarwal M, et al. Nutritional priorities to support GLP-1 therapy for obesity: a joint Advisory from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association, and The Obesity Society. Corrected version. Obes Pillars. 2026;18:100269.Open the source All sources

These are common among people who keep weight off:Obesity PillarsSourceMozaffarian D, Agarwal M, Aggarwal M, et al. Nutritional priorities to support GLP-1 therapy for obesity: a joint Advisory from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association, and The Obesity Society. Corrected version. Obes Pillars. 2026;18:100269.Open the source All sources

  1. Eat at regular times

    Regular meals, breakfast included, make it easier to stay on track.Obesity PillarsSourceMozaffarian D, Agarwal M, Aggarwal M, et al. Nutritional priorities to support GLP-1 therapy for obesity: a joint Advisory from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association, and The Obesity Society. Corrected version. Obes Pillars. 2026;18:100269.Open the source All sources

  2. Choose foods with protein and fiber

    Minimally processed foods that are high in protein or fiber are a good base for most meals.Obesity PillarsSourceMozaffarian D, Agarwal M, Aggarwal M, et al. Nutritional priorities to support GLP-1 therapy for obesity: a joint Advisory from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association, and The Obesity Society. Corrected version. Obes Pillars. 2026;18:100269.Open the source All sources

  3. Go easy on sugary drinks and snacks

    There's still room for an occasional treat, in a sensible portion.Obesity PillarsSourceMozaffarian D, Agarwal M, Aggarwal M, et al. Nutritional priorities to support GLP-1 therapy for obesity: a joint Advisory from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association, and The Obesity Society. Corrected version. Obes Pillars. 2026;18:100269.Open the source All sources

  4. Stay active most days

    Many people who keep weight off move for about an hour a day.Obesity PillarsSourceMozaffarian D, Agarwal M, Aggarwal M, et al. Nutritional priorities to support GLP-1 therapy for obesity: a joint Advisory from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association, and The Obesity Society. Corrected version. Obes Pillars. 2026;18:100269.Open the source All sources

  5. Weigh in regularly

    Keeping an eye on your weight helps you spot changes early, while they're easier to manage.Obesity PillarsSourceMozaffarian D, Agarwal M, Aggarwal M, et al. Nutritional priorities to support GLP-1 therapy for obesity: a joint Advisory from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association, and The Obesity Society. Corrected version. Obes Pillars. 2026;18:100269.Open the source All sources

07Stopping well

How do you stop, if you decide to?

If you do decide to stop, a little planning helps:

  1. Talk to your clinician first

    They'll help you plan the timing, especially if you take medicine for diabetes.U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Wegovy® (injection and tablets), Zepbound® and Foundayo™: Indications and Usage; Dosage and Administration; Warnings and Precautions; Use in Specific Populations; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies.All sources

  2. Ask about stepping down

    Your clinician may lower the dose gradually rather than stopping all at once. There's no set schedule, so they'll tailor it to you.Cleveland ClinicSourceCleveland Clinic. What happens when you stop taking a GLP-1? September 29, 2026.Open the source All sources

  3. Keep your habits going

    Regular meals and staying active can help you keep more of your results.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney DiseasesSourceNIDDK. Prescription Medications to Treat Overweight & Obesity. Last reviewed June 2024.Open the source All sources

  4. Plan a check-in

    Book a follow-up a few weeks after you stop, so you can adjust together if you need to.

08Restarting

What if you want to start again?

That's common, and it's completely fine. In one large study, about a third of people without diabetes who stopped started again within a year.JAMASourceRodriguez PJ, Zhang V, Gratzl S, et al. Discontinuation and reinitiation of dual-labeled GLP-1 receptor agonists among US adults with overweight or obesity. JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8(1):e2457349.Open the source All sources

If you've had a break, your clinician will usually restart you on a lower dose and step you up again. That gives your stomach time to readjust.U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Wegovy® (injection and tablets), Zepbound® and Foundayo™: Indications and Usage; Dosage and Administration; Warnings and Precautions; Use in Specific Populations; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies.All sources

With Wegovy®, that's after two or more missed weekly doses. With Foundayo™, it's after a week or more of missed pills.U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Wegovy® (injection and tablets), Zepbound® and Foundayo™: Indications and Usage; Dosage and Administration; Warnings and Precautions; Use in Specific Populations; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies.All sources

Side effects can come back as you step up, so the habits from your first weeks help again.

Frequently asked questions.

How long does it take for a GLP-1 to leave your body?

Semaglutide stays in your system for about five to seven weeks after your last dose, and tirzepatide about a month.U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Wegovy® (injection and tablets), Zepbound® and Foundayo™: Indications and Usage; Dosage and Administration; Warnings and Precautions; Use in Specific Populations; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies.All sourcesEli Lilly and CompanySourceLilly Medical. How long will Zepbound® (tirzepatide) be in the body after the last dose? Last reviewed December 19, 2024.Open the source All sources Foundayo™ clears much faster, in days rather than weeks.U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Wegovy® (injection and tablets), Zepbound® and Foundayo™: Indications and Usage; Dosage and Administration; Warnings and Precautions; Use in Specific Populations; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies.All sources

Can I switch to a compounded GLP-1 to save money?

You can ask about it.

Many online programs offer compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide for less than the brand-name cash prices.

Your clinician will set your dose and pace, and can start you lower if you've had a break.

Here's how compounded GLP-1s work.

Do I need to stop before surgery?

Usually not anymore.

Let your surgeon and anesthesia team know well ahead that you take a GLP-1.

They'll tell you whether to pause it.U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Wegovy® (injection and tablets), Zepbound® and Foundayo™: Indications and Usage; Dosage and Administration; Warnings and Precautions; Use in Specific Populations; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies.All sourcesSurgical EndoscopySourceKindel TL, Wang AY, Wadhwa A, et al. Multi-society clinical practice guidance for the safe use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in the perioperative period. Surg Endosc. 2025;39(1):180-183.Open the source All sources

Can I take a break for a vacation?

A short break follows your medicine's missed-dose rules, and a longer one may mean restarting at a lower dose.

It's worth a quick chat with your clinician before you go.U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationSourceFDA prescribing information for Wegovy® (injection and tablets), Zepbound® and Foundayo™: Indications and Usage; Dosage and Administration; Warnings and Precautions; Use in Specific Populations; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies.All sources

Do I have to take a GLP-1 forever?

Not necessarily.

It's usually a long-term treatment, and you can stay on one as long as it's helping.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney DiseasesSourceNIDDK. Prescription Medications to Treat Overweight & Obesity. Last reviewed June 2024.Open the source All sources

Our article on how long you stay on one covers it in more detail.

Will my hunger come back stronger than before?

It usually goes back to roughly where it was before you started, rather than higher.WebMDSourceWebMD. Stopping Wegovy® or Zepbound®: what happens next? A Q&A with James Hill, PhD. July 2024.Open the source All sources

But after months of quiet, the change can feel big.

The first few weeks off are a good time to lean on regular meals with plenty of protein and fiber.Obesity PillarsSourceMozaffarian D, Agarwal M, Aggarwal M, et al. Nutritional priorities to support GLP-1 therapy for obesity: a joint Advisory from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association, and The Obesity Society. Corrected version. Obes Pillars. 2026;18:100269.Open the source All sources

The bottom line

When you stop a GLP-1, your appetite usually comes back, and some of the weight often follows.

That's biology, not failure.

A plan with your clinician helps you keep more of your results.

When you're ready, compare programs on our ranking to find one that fits your plan.

By the TreatmentMD editorial team

Medical disclaimerThis content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any weight-loss program or medication. Individual results may vary.

Sources15 sources, and product and safety information
  1. 1NIDDK. Prescription Medications to Treat Overweight & Obesity. Last reviewed June 2024. niddk.nih.gov
  2. 2Cleveland Clinic. What happens when you stop taking a GLP-1? September 29, 2026. clevelandclinic.org
  3. 3Endocrine Society. Endocrine Society issues Scientific Statement on obesity's causes. June 26, 2017. endocrine.org
  4. 4FDA prescribing information for Wegovy® (injection and tablets), Zepbound® and Foundayo™: Indications and Usage; Dosage and Administration; Warnings and Precautions; Use in Specific Populations; Clinical Pharmacology; Clinical Studies.
  5. 5Horn DB, Aronne LJ, Wharton S, et al. Tirzepatide for maintenance of bodyweight reduction in people with obesity in the USA (SURMOUNT-MAINTAIN). Lancet. 2026;407(10545):2305-2318. doi.org
  6. 6Aronne LJ, Horn DB, le Roux CW, et al. Orforglipron for maintenance of body weight reduction: the double-blind, randomized phase 3b ATTAIN-MAINTAIN trial. Nat Med. 2026;32(7):2679-2687. doi.org
  7. 7Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Davies M, et al. Weight regain and cardiometabolic effects after withdrawal of semaglutide: the STEP 1 trial extension. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2022;24(8):1553-1564. doi.org
  8. 8Rubino D, Abrahamsson N, Davies M, et al. Effect of continued weekly subcutaneous semaglutide vs placebo on weight loss maintenance in adults with overweight or obesity: the STEP 4 randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2021;325(14):1414-1425. doi.org
  9. 9Aronne LJ, Sattar N, Horn DB, et al. Continued treatment with tirzepatide for maintenance of weight reduction in adults with obesity: the SURMOUNT-4 randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2024;331(1):38-48. doi.org
  10. 10Gasoyan H, Butsch WS, Casacchia NJ, et al. Reasons for discontinuation of obesity pharmacotherapy with semaglutide or tirzepatide in clinical practice. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2025;33(12):2296-2303. doi.org
  11. 11Mozaffarian D, Agarwal M, Aggarwal M, et al. Nutritional priorities to support GLP-1 therapy for obesity: a joint Advisory from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association, and The Obesity Society. Corrected version. Obes Pillars. 2026;18:100269. doi.org
  12. 12Rodriguez PJ, Zhang V, Gratzl S, et al. Discontinuation and reinitiation of dual-labeled GLP-1 receptor agonists among US adults with overweight or obesity. JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8(1):e2457349. doi.org
  13. 13Lilly Medical. How long will Zepbound® (tirzepatide) be in the body after the last dose? Last reviewed December 19, 2024. lilly.com
  14. 14Kindel TL, Wang AY, Wadhwa A, et al. Multi-society clinical practice guidance for the safe use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in the perioperative period. Surg Endosc. 2025;39(1):180-183. doi.org
  15. 15WebMD. Stopping Wegovy® or Zepbound®: what happens next? A Q&A with James Hill, PhD. July 2024. webmd.com

Product information

  • Zepbound® (tirzepatide) is a prescription-only injectable medication FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity, or adults with overweight who have at least one weight-related medical condition. It is also approved for the treatment of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity, and should be used in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
  • Ozempic® (semaglutide) is a prescription-only injectable medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It is not FDA-approved for weight loss; however, weight reduction has been observed in some individuals with type 2 diabetes using the medication.
  • Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) is a prescription-only injectable medication FDA-approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It is not FDA-approved for weight loss; however, weight reduction has been observed in some individuals using the medication.
  • Wegovy® (semaglutide) is a prescription-only injectable medication FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity, or adults with at least one weight-related medical condition, when used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
  • All medications require a medical evaluation and prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. Individual results may vary.

Important safety information

  • Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide are prepared by state-licensed pharmacies and are not FDA approved. The FDA does not review their safety, effectiveness or quality, and clinical trial results for brand-name drugs do not carry over to them.
  • Semaglutide and tirzepatide carry a boxed warning for a risk of thyroid C-cell tumors, based on animal studies, and are not for anyone with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or MEN2, or who is pregnant. Other warnings include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, and a higher risk of low blood sugar when combined with insulin or a sulfonylurea. The most common side effects are digestive, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation.
  • This is a high-level summary, not a complete list. A licensed clinician will review your health history to decide whether a GLP-1 medication is right for you.

Our #1 pick

Ready to start? Welludr. is our pick.

The lowest advertised price on our list, with unlimited clinician messaging.

Visit Welludr.Compare providers