Millions of Americans have successfully lost weight with obesity drugs such as Wegovy, but questions arise about the consequences of discontinuing them. Many patients fear weight regain and returning to old habits, a concern supported by clinical trials showing weight gain after stopping the medication.
Some patients are experimenting with reducing dosage frequency or intermittent use to maintain weight loss without ongoing drug dependence. Donna Cooper, who lost 40 pounds with Wegovy, reflects a common sentiment: desiring to eventually stop the medication despite its benefits.
Prescriptions for these drugs, including semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound), are in high demand, yet adherence is low. A study in “Obesity” journal reported only 40% of Wegovy patients continued it after a year.
Obesity specialists emphasize the need for continuous management of this chronic disease, warning against intermittent use. These drugs mimic gut and brain hormones to control appetite and are not designed for sporadic use.
Patients, however, are seeking ways to reduce or stop these medications for various reasons, including side effects, cost, or simply not wanting indefinite treatment. Some, like a Mounjaro user, have successfully tapered their dosage with medical guidance. However, the cost and supply issues often force patients to stop treatment involuntarily.
Experts warn that stopping these drugs can lead to a resurgence of obesity symptoms, such as intense hunger and reduced satiety. Reinitiating the drugs can sometimes lead to intolerance or diminished effectiveness, and there’s a lack of data on long-term effects of intermittent use.
Donna Cooper, nearing the end of her Wegovy course, plans to maintain her weight loss through diet and exercise. Despite the likelihood of weight gain post-medication, she remains hopeful about managing her weight independently.