Dr Nick Fuller
Leading Obesity Expert at the University of Sydney and founder of Interval Weight Loss.
If you’re taking semaglutide for weight management, the big question eventually arrives: When should I stop? Semaglutide has become one of the most widely used weight loss medications globally, thanks to strong clinical evidence showing it can reduce appetite, improve insulin sensitivity and support significant long-term fat loss. Studies show average weight reductions of 15-17 percent when paired with lifestyle changes, which is why many patients stay on it for months or sometimes years.
But just like any medication, there comes a point where you may need, or want, to discontinue. Maybe you’ve reached your goal weight, maybe your appetite cues have stabilised, or maybe you’re experiencing side effects and want to reassess. Some people also face cost concerns, lifestyle changes or new medical considerations. The good news? Stopping semaglutide can be done safely, and with the right strategies, you can maintain progress without the medication.
Below you’ll find everything you need to know, from how long you can stay on semaglutide to the best way to taper off, plus the possible consequences and practical tips to keep results after stopping.
Here’s the bottom line: research shows it can be used long term under medical supervision. Large clinical trials tracked participants for 68 weeks and beyond, and real-world prescribing patterns show many people continue on maintenance doses for several years. The ideal duration depends on your response, side effects and whether the benefits continue to outweigh the risks.
Common treatment durations include:
Short-term kickstart (3–6 months)
Early trials show that appetite suppression and reduced energy intake happen quickly, which is why some people use semaglutide short term while establishing lifestyle habits.
Medium-term weight loss phase (6–18 months)
Most semaglutide studies, including the STEP trials, focus on treatment durations of approximately 68 weeks (~16 months). This is where the strongest evidence for steady, ongoing weight loss exists.
Long-term or maintenance use (1–3+ years)
Follow-up data from obesity and diabetes studies shows many individuals regain weight upon withdrawal, which is why clinicians sometimes recommend extended maintenance dosing, even on lower doses.
Intermittent or adjusted use
Dose adjustments on oral semaglutides are supported by clinical guidelines to manage nausea, plateaus or side effects. Some people stay at a lower dose or cycle treatment based on their doctor’s recommendations.
Indefinite use for chronic conditions
For type 2 diabetes and obesity (which are considered chronic diseases), semaglutide is often treated like long-term medication. Long-duration studies show ongoing benefits for blood sugar control, cardiometabolic markers and weight stability.
Yes, stopping semaglutide is acceptable when done thoughtfully and under medical guidance. Many people choose to stop after reaching a stable goal weight, due to side effects, cost or life changes such as pregnancy planning. The safest approach is a planned, monitored taper rather than an abrupt stop, because that reduces the chance of rebound appetite and abrupt weight regain.
Before we list the common reasons people stop, here’s a quick note: decisions to cease treatment are personal and medical. Your clinician will weigh the benefits you’ve had against any side effects, costs or life changes. The items below are the typical triggers clinicians and patients discuss during reviews.
Stopping after achieving your target weight is a common and reasonable choice. Your clinician can help define what ‘stable’ looks like, often several months of weight maintenance before making a plan. A supervised stop with ongoing lifestyle support gives the best chance of keeping weight off long term.
If adverse side effects like nausea persist despite dose adjustments, stopping may be the safest option. Chronic side effects can interfere with quality of life, sleep and daily functioning, so clinicians weigh these harms against benefits. Always consult your prescriber before stopping; they may try alternative doses or a different medication first.
Ongoing reflux, severe bloating or persistent abdominal pain that doesn’t settle with time or dose changes can justify discontinuation. These symptoms may be manageable for many, but if they impair appetite, nutrition or daily comfort it’s sensible to reassess treatment. Your doctor can investigate other causes and recommend whether stopping is the right step.
Semaglutide can be expensive long term, and finances are a perfectly valid reason to stop or switch treatments. If cost is pressing, clinicians can discuss alternatives, patient assistance programs or a structured stop with lifestyle support. Planning ahead avoids abrupt discontinuation driven by affordability alone.
Some people simply prefer to transition to lifestyle-based weight maintenance after a period of medication. That’s a personal decision and a legitimate reason to stop, provided it’s done with a plan. A gradual taper with behavioural support often preserves more of the gains than stopping cold turkey.
New prescriptions or medical conditions might interact with semaglutide, making continued use unsafe or less effective. In such cases, stopping or switching under a clinician’s supervision is necessary. Your doctor will consider alternatives that fit your overall treatment picture and safety needs.
Semaglutide is not recommended during pregnancy or when trying to conceive, so anyone planning pregnancy should stop it beforehand. Your clinician can advise on timing and alternative strategies to maintain health while preparing for conception. Nutritional support and careful monitoring become priorities during this transition.
If you’ve used semaglutide as prescribed and haven’t seen reasonable progress over several months, your prescriber may suggest stopping or changing course. Sometimes the medication isn’t the best fit, or additional interventions (behavioural therapy, different meds) are needed. Regular reviews help decide whether to continue, adjust or cease treatment.
If your healthcare provider advises stopping because of safety concerns, new diagnoses or better alternatives, follow their guidance. Clinicians take into account your whole health picture, not just weight, and will recommend the safest path. Open discussion ensures decisions are tailored to your priorities and risks.
Wondering what happens to hunger, metabolism and weight after you stop? Read Weight Loss Plateau Solutions to see how your body adapts and what to expect next.
Tapering off medicine thoughtfully protects your progress and reduces side effects. Below are practical steps commonly used by clinicians and patients to make the transition safer and more comfortable.
Gradually taper dose to reduce rebound hunger and allow hormones to adjust
Follow a doctor-supervised plan for safety, monitoring, and support
Schedule regular check-ins to track appetite, weight, and mood
Strengthen lifestyle habits (meals, exercise, activity) before tapering
Monitor appetite changes with a journal to catch cravings early
Stopping semaglutide frequently leads to substantial weight regain, on average ~9–10?kg, or about two-thirds of prior loss within a year. Metabolic benefits gained during therapy (improved glucose control, reduced cardiometabolic risk markers) tend to revert when treatment stops.
Because much of the research focuses on weight and metabolic measures, there is limited evidence (so far) about changes in hunger, cravings, fullness cues or metabolic rate after stopping. Some individuals, especially those continuing healthy lifestyle habits, may maintain some weight loss long?term; but this appears to be the exception rather than the rule, and evidence remains sparse.
Given the chronic nature of obesity, these findings suggest that for many, discontinuing semaglutide without a robust long?term plan (lifestyle, diet, activity) carries a high risk of weight and metabolic relapse.
Use this checklist to build a daily routine that supports appetite control and energy balance. The techniques below are simple but effective, and you can start most of them before you reduce your dose.
Maintain balanced meals – Prioritise protein, moderate carbs and healthy fats to steady appetite and blood sugar.
Increase daily activity – Add more movement through walking, standing breaks and general daily tasks.
Add strength training – Include resistance work 2–3 times a week to protect muscle and support metabolism.
Focus on protein intake – Have a protein source at each meal to boost fullness and maintain muscle.
Keep sleep consistent – A steady sleep schedule helps regulate appetite hormones and reduce cravings.
Track hunger patterns – Use a simple diary to spot triggers and adjust habits early.
Stay hydrated – Drinking water regularly helps manage false hunger cues and supports energy.
Follow medical guidance – Work with your clinician on tapering and any needed medication adjustments.
If you’re thinking about stopping, it helps to understand how long people usually stay on treatment. Read How Long Do You Stay on Weight Loss Injections.
Stopping semaglutide is a common and manageable step for many people, but the way you stop matters. A gradual, clinician-supervised taper combined with strengthened lifestyle habits will give you the best chance of maintaining weight and metabolic health. Expect changes like rising appetite and possible weight regain without preparation and be ready with protein-rich meals, strength training and regular check-ins.
Dr Nick Fuller is the founder of Interval Weight Loss and is a leading obesity expert at the University of Sydney with a Ph.D. in Obesity Treatment. Dr Fuller is also the author of three best-selling books and his work been published in top ranked journals in the medical field, including JAMA, Lancet and American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.