Do you ever stop losing weight on Ozempic?
Asked by: Romaine Bradtke MD | Last update: January 14, 2026Score: 4.6/5 (46 votes)
Does Ozempic stop working for weight loss?
The “Ozempic plateau” describes a leveling off of weight loss while taking a GLP-1 medication. This often happens after around 12 months of taking semaglutide. The factors we outlined above can all play a role in why you may stop losing weight at a rate you experienced at one point while taking Ozempic.
How long do you keep losing weight on Ozempic?
Ozempic has become famous for its weight loss potential, with people losing as much as 7% of their body weight on 1 mg of Ozempic within a year or so of taking the medication. And, follow-up studies show they continue losing weight two years after starting the medication.
Does Ozempic cause permanent weight loss?
Ozempic does not cause permanent weight loss. When your body no longer relies on semaglutide to keep your appetite levels low and slow digestion, you may regain weight and potentially experience other side effects. However, this does not necessarily mean you will gain back all the weight you lost.
Can you take Ozempic forever for weight loss?
There's no set amount of weight loss that indicates you're ready to stop using Ozempic®. If you're taking it and it's working, and any side effects you're getting are tolerable, your prescriber will generally recommend that you stay on it.
This is what happens when you stop taking Ozempic
Does weight loss from Ozempic stay off?
Treatment with drugs like Ozempic requires life-long commitment, as discontinuing the medication often leads to weight regain. Patients may face side effects, including nausea, reflux, abdominal cramping, delayed gastric emptying, and constipation, which might affect their ability or willingness to continue treatment.
How did Kelly Clarkson lose so much weight?
In an interview with People published earlier this year, Clarkson said she had lost weight by following the advice of her doctor. "I eat a healthy mix," Clarkson said of her diet, which she also said focuses heavily on protein. "I dropped weight because I've been listening to my doctor -- a couple years I didn't."
Why am I not losing anymore weight on Ozempic?
Key points: Weight-loss plateaus are a necessary and normal part of the weight-loss process. Ozempic doesn't prevent weight-loss plateaus from occurring. Weight-loss plateaus occur when our brain senses we're losing fat and eating less, so it slows down our metabolism to protect our remaining fat stores.
Does Ozempic lose potency over time?
If you use expired Ozempic, it may not work as well. That's because the active ingredient, semaglutide, can start breaking down and lose potency over time. The manufacturer can only guarantee stability if the pen is used within the expiration (or in-use) date.
Will I gain all my weight back after stopping Ozempic?
Ozempic is a drug that people may use off-label for weight management. However, abruptly stopping the drug may lead to individuals regaining most of the weight they have lost. This can occur when cravings return suddenly or because Ozempic does not treat the underlying causes of obesity.
How long does it take to lose 20 lbs on Ozempic?
Shedding pounds with Ozempic is a gradual process. While some users report feeling the appetite-suppressing effects as early as the first day, noticeable weight loss typically takes a few weeks to kick in. On average, clinical trials have shown that significant weight loss can occur over 30 to 68 weeks of treatment.
Why did I stop losing weight on semaglutide?
The main reasons you're not losing weight on semaglutide (Wegovy/Ozempic) might be that you're not eating in a calorie deficit, you've hit a weight-loss plateau, or the current dose that you're on isn't high enough to lower your hunger to the point where you're eating less.
Does Ozempic become less effective over time?
Drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy eventually reach a weight loss plateau, beyond which further weight loss slows or stops. Like any other healthy weight loss method, the body eventually settles at an appropriate weight, which may or may not correspond with that person's weight loss goals.
Why has my weight loss stalled on Ozempic?
While there are many factors that can contribute to an Ozempic plateau, part of the problem is that the metabolism slows down as people shed excess pounds, making it harder to lose weight after the initial success, Velazquez says.
How to speed up weight loss on Ozempic?
Swap simple carbohydrates (sugary foods, white bread, pasta, rice) for complex carbs (wholemeal pasta, brown rice, whole grains) Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables (at least half of your dinner plate should be vegetables) Eat more lean protein (turkey, white fish) than fatty proteins (red meat)
How long is it safe to stay on Ozempic?
There is no set time frame for how long you can stay on Ozempic®. For diabetic patients, Ozempic may be a long-term solution with no end point. People taking the drug for weight loss may need to stop if they experience damaging side effects, including gastroparesis, gastroenteritis or intestinal blockage.
Can I eat bananas on Ozempic?
Specific foods to avoid include sweets, baked goods, sugary cereals, sodas, juices, flavoured yogurts, candy, ice cream, honey, agave nectar, maple syrup, jams, fruit smoothies, dried fruit and certain fresh fruits like mangoes, grapes, cherries, bananas, pineapple and watermelon.
When is Ozempic at its peak?
After being injected subcutaneously (under the skin), Ozempic is gradually absorbed into the bloodstream. It reaches peak levels within one to three days after the injection before slowly diminishing to half its levels by seven days post-injection.
Can you sustain weight loss after Ozempic?
Experts say if you make dietary and lifestyle changes while you're taking the drugs, you may be able to maintain a lower body weight. “Many people regain weight after they stop taking these drugs because they didn't make these changes,” Laster says. Here are ways to stack the odds in your favor.
How many weeks is considered a weight loss plateau?
How Many Weeks Is Considered a Weight Loss Plateau? Typically, a weight loss plateau occurs when there is no change in weight for 2 to 4 weeks, even if you are sticking to your same diet and workout plan. During this time, your body's metabolism may adjust to the new routine and stall out on progress.
How did Adele lose weight?
Adele's routine involved daily workouts, including weight training and cardio. She worked with a trainer to create a balanced plan that fit her lifestyle. This consistent exercise helped her build strength and boost her fitness level.
How did Melissa McCarthy lose weight?
Melissa told People magazine that after she landed her role on Gilmore Girls, she attempted a doctor-supervised all-liquid diet, which led her to lose 70 pounds in four months.
Did Christina Aguilera use Ozempic to lose weight?
She admitted that prior to taking Ozempic, she did attempt to lose the weight naturally through diet and exercise.