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Use & how it works

How long do you use it / stopping?

For obesity, GLP-1 medications are generally used long-term, because obesity is chronic in nature. Stopping or tapering off is always done in consultation with the doctor. After stopping, there is a real chance that some of the weight returns, because the appetite-suppressing effect then falls away.

A chronic treatment

In the patient leaflets and guidelines, GLP-1 medications for weight management are seen as part of a long-term approach, not as a short course. Obesity is regarded as a chronic condition; as soon as the medication stops, its effect on appetite and satiety disappears too. How long someone uses it depends on the treatment goal and the doctor's assessment.

Maintenance phase

After the build-up phase (see dosing & titration schedule) usually comes a maintenance dose that is kept for a longer period. In this phase, check-ups, guidance and a healthy lifestyle remain important. The doctor periodically evaluates whether continuing is appropriate.

Stopping and tapering off

If you are considering stopping, always do so in consultation with your doctor and not on your own initiative. The doctor can explain whether and how tapering off works and what you can expect. When you stop, the appetite-suppressing effect falls away, so some of the weight can return (the yo-yo effect). You can read more about this on stopping and the yo-yo effect.

This is general information, not medical advice. Decisions about continuing, stopping or tapering off are made together with your doctor.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to use a GLP-1 medication for life?
Not necessarily, but obesity is chronic in nature and the effect disappears after stopping. How long use is appropriate is something you decide together with your doctor, based on the treatment goal.
Will I regain weight after stopping?
After stopping, the appetite-suppressing effect falls away, so some of the weight can return. A healthy lifestyle and guidance can limit this; always discuss tapering off with your doctor.
Can I stop on my own?
Do not stop on your own initiative. Always discuss stopping or tapering off with your doctor first, so that it is done in an appropriate way.

Official sources on this topic

Independent, authoritative information from official bodies:

Read more

Stopping and the yo-yo effect→Dosing & titration schedule→How do GLP-1 medications work?→