GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) medications help millions of people in the United States achieve significant weight loss and improve their metabolic health. In fact, 1 in 8 American adults report using GLP-1 drugs for diabetes, weight loss, and other chronic conditions.
However, not everyone who takes a GLP-1 drug can remain on it long-term — even though they may be experiencing meaningful health benefits. Common reasons to stop the medication include:
- Side effects, such as nausea, gastrointestinal issues, or reduced muscle mass
- Cost or accessibility
- Pregnancy
- Personal preference
The challenge of stopping a GLP-1 medication is holding on to the health gains you achieved — without the support of the medicine. Having a plan and making lifestyle changes can minimize the effects and keep you on the path toward better health and well-being.
What GLP-1 Medications Do
GLP-1 drugs, which are technically called GLP-1 agonists, are synthetic hormones. They mimic the actions of your body's natural GLP-1 hormone, which has several functions, including:
- Instructing your pancreas to release insulin — the hormone that regulates blood sugar
- Signaling fullness to your brain
- Slowing the rate you digest your food
When a GLP-1 agonist increases the amount of GLP-1 in your body, it may lower the sugar level in your blood, reduce your appetite, and help you feel fuller longer. This can result in meaningful weight loss and cardiovascular benefits. Research has also found GLP-1 medications reduce the rates and risk of several chronic conditions, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), osteoarthritis, and obstructive sleep apnea.
What May Happen in Your Body When You Stop GLP-1 Medications
When you stop taking a GLP-1 medication, the level of GLP-1 in your body decreases dramatically. Experts and researchers report that people often experience:
- Increased appetite and "food noise" — persistent thoughts about food
- Return to pre-medication levels for blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol
- Weight regain, with the average person regaining 60% of the weight loss within one year
It's important to note that what happens when you stop taking a GLP-1 medication is a result of the chronic nature of obesity. It does not reflect a lack of motivation or willpower.
How to Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle After GLP-1 Medication
Since regaining some weight may be inevitable, you might want to focus on goals that include:
- Preserving lean muscle mass
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Supporting your mental health
The following steps could help you achieve those goals:
Nutrient-dense foods can help mimic the effects of GLP-1. Foods high in soluble fiber can slow digestion. Healthy fats encourage satiety. Protein eaten before carbohydrates can help manage blood sugar.
Other eating strategies to guide weight maintenance include:
- Eat on a consistent schedule to help regulate your internal clock and hunger hormones
- Eat slowly to give your natural hormones time to signal fullness to your brain
- Focus on what you eat instead of restricting how much you eat
Incorporate daily physical activity
Regular exercise helps with long-term weight management. But the benefits also include:
- Improved heart health
- Increased mobility
- Mental well-being
- Preservation of lean body mass
The current recommendations for physical activity include 150 minutes/week of aerobic activity and 2 days of strength training. Find a time each day for exercise and choose enjoyable activities that are realistic and sustainable.
Weight management and obesity require ongoing and individualized care. GLP-1 medications are effective tools, but just one component of a holistic health plan.
Prioritize sleep
Sleep and weight management are closely linked. The effects of not getting the 7 to 9 hours of recommended sleep may include:
- Higher rate of obesity
- Increased blood sugar levels
- Dysregulation of the hormones that control appetite and feelings of fullness
- Poor eating habits
- Lower levels of physical activity
Establishing a healthy sleep regimen plays an essential role in reducing stress, eating well, and being active.
Manage your stress
Stress can affect appetite and eating habits in various ways — some people feed their stress with poor eating choices while others lose their desire to eat. Regardless of your reaction to stress, finding coping strategies for stress can help regulate eating and hormones.
Ways to minimize the stress in your life include:
- Identify what is making you feel stressed
- Develop self-care habits and strategies to cope with stress
- Engage in social support from family and friends
- Look to behavioral counseling, coaching, and structured support programs
- Seek professional mental healthcare when needed
Monitor health markers beyond weight
GLP-1 medications affect more than your body weight. So, it makes sense to monitor those other factors when you stop taking the medication.
Pay attention to:
- Blood glucose
- Blood pressure
- Energy levels
- Mental health
- Mobility
- Quality of life
Even if some weight returns, maintaining gains in these other areas can be valuable and provide long-term health benefits.
Be prepared for setbacks
Success rarely happens without setbacks. If you find yourself frustrated or struggling without GLP-1 medication, connect with a healthcare provider to revisit your plan, goals, and resources. With your healthcare provider’s help, you may benefit from continuing the medication with an alternative dosing regimen or exploring other evidence-based options for weight management.
It may also help to assess your wellness and pinpoint areas that require your attention. Consider taking the HealthyNurse™ Survey, which provides a closer look at several areas of well-being, including mental health, physical activity, nutrition, and rest.
Before You Stop GLP-1 Medication
There is GLP-1 research that focuses on starting medication, the benefits of the drug, and the effects of stopping the medication. But there is not a lot of data — and no established regimen — about how to stop taking the medicine.
To ensure your plan to end use of the medication is safe and appropriate, partner with a healthcare professional. They can recommend a plan to taper off and help identify a strategy for moving forward afterward.
Weight management and obesity require ongoing and individualized care. GLP-1 medications are effective tools, but just one component of a holistic health plan.
