Ozempic, originally designed for type 2 diabetes, has gained popularity as a weight-loss aid. Taken through weekly injections, it helps reduce appetite and manage blood sugar by mimicking a natural hormone (GLP-1). But many wonder—what happens if you stop using it temporarily and then start again?

When you stop taking Ozempic, its effects wear off. Hunger returns, and weight loss often reverses. A 2022 study showed patients regained two-thirds of lost weight within a year of stopping. For diabetics, quitting can cause blood sugar spikes, with symptoms like thirst, fatigue, and nausea.

Experts say Ozempic shouldn’t be taken “as needed.” Skipping doses, even for vacations, can trigger unpleasant side effects like nausea or vomiting when you restart. Doctors recommend starting again with a lower dose to reduce this risk.

Ozempic should only be used under medical supervision. Novo Nordisk, the drug’s manufacturer, emphasizes it’s FDA-approved for diabetes—not weight loss—and any treatment changes should be guided by a healthcare provider.