The rising popularity of GLP-1 receptor agonist medications like Ozempic (semaglutide) and Wegovy has reshaped the weight loss landscape in recent years. Initially developed to help manage type 2 diabetes and obesity, these medications have gained widespread attention for their effectiveness in promoting rapid weight loss. However, a growing body of research now highlights a crucial question: What happens when people stop taking these drugs?
A new analysis conducted in 2025 sheds light on this very concern — and the findings raise significant questions about the long-term sustainability of weight loss achieved with these treatments.
Ozempic vs. Wegovy: What’s the Difference?
Ozempic and Wegovy both contain semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist that helps regulate appetite and food intake by influencing hormone activity in the brain. However, Ozempic is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy is the only version FDA-approved specifically for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight-related health conditions.
Despite their distinct indications, both medications have seen widespread off-label use for weight loss. Some users, including public figures, have openly discussed their experiences with these drugs, contributing to their rising popularity.
New 2025 Study Explores Post-Medication Weight Gain
A recent study conducted by researchers Han Wu and Wenjia Yang from Peking University People’s Hospital in China investigated how individuals’ weight changed after discontinuing anti-obesity medications, including semaglutide-based treatments like Ozempic and Wegovy.
The analysis reviewed 11 clinical trials involving 2,466 participants, all of whom had taken weight loss medications for at least four weeks. After the initial treatment phase, participants were monitored for an additional four to five months to evaluate post-treatment weight changes.
Key Findings from the Study:
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Participants maintained some level of weight loss immediately after stopping the medication.
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However, by week eight, a trend of significant weight regain became evident among those who had previously used anti-obesity medications.
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After three to five months, many participants regained a considerable portion of the weight they had lost, especially those who had experienced the most weight loss during the treatment phase.
These findings suggest that the benefits of semaglutide may diminish quickly after treatment stops, with many individuals struggling to maintain their lower body weight over time.
Previous Research Supports Similar Conclusions
The 2025 study aligns with earlier findings, including a 2022 clinical trial published in the National Library of Medicine, which tracked around 200 participants who had used semaglutide for more than one year.
On average, these participants lost approximately 17% of their body weight. However, those who stopped taking the medication regained about 12% of their body weight within a year — leaving a net weight loss of about 5%.
While this net result is still considered clinically meaningful, the data illustrates a challenge: semaglutide-based weight loss may not be permanent without ongoing treatment or long-term lifestyle changes.
Why Does Weight Return After Stopping Treatment?
Medical experts believe the return of appetite to pre-treatment levels is one of the primary drivers of weight regain. GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide help suppress hunger and improve satiety. Once discontinued, natural appetite regulation often returns to baseline, leading many individuals to consume more calories.
According to Medical News Today, people who stop Ozempic or similar medications may regain up to two-thirds of their previous weight loss, even with healthy lifestyle habits. While this doesn’t occur in every case, the potential for weight rebound is significant and highlights the need for long-term planning beyond medication use.
What This Means for Long-Term Weight Management
Experts agree that Ozempic and Wegovy can be effective tools for weight management, especially in individuals with chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes or severe obesity. However, they are not standalone solutions, particularly for those seeking temporary use to achieve quick weight loss results.
To sustain long-term success, health professionals recommend pairing medication with:
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Lifestyle modifications, including consistent exercise and balanced nutrition
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Behavioral counseling to address eating patterns
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Medical supervision, especially when transitioning off medication
Individuals considering starting or stopping these treatments should do so only under the guidance of a licensed healthcare provider to avoid unintended health effects.
FDA Guidelines and Responsible Use
It’s important to remember that only Wegovy is approved by the FDA for weight loss, while Ozempic is specifically indicated for diabetes management. Using Ozempic off-label for weight loss should be approached with caution and under medical supervision, as dosing, monitoring, and patient suitability differ between the two uses.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration also encourages patients to report any side effects through the MedWatch program and emphasizes that no medication should be used as a substitute for healthy lifestyle habits.
Conclusion: Not a Magic Solution
While semaglutide-based drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy can support meaningful weight loss in the short term, long-term weight maintenance may require ongoing medication or lifestyle interventions. Studies from 2022 and 2025 consistently show that weight regain is likely after treatment ends, especially if no other behavioral or dietary changes are maintained.
Anyone considering these treatments should consult with a healthcare provider to evaluate the risks, benefits, and long-term strategies for managing their weight safely and effectively.
Maintaining a healthy weight is a complex process involving more than just medication. The findings from recent studies provide valuable insights for individuals and medical professionals working together to create sustainable, personalized weight management plans.
Sources and References:
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U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): www.fda.gov
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National Library of Medicine: Semaglutide Clinical Trial Studies
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Peking University People’s Hospital, 2025 Weight Regain Study
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Medical News Today: Expert Insights on GLP-1 Treatments
