Coming off
Stopping Ozempic or semaglutide: what to know
The short version
- In the UK, Ozempic is licensed for type 2 diabetes. Wegovy is the semaglutide medicine licensed for weight management.
- If you take Ozempic for diabetes, talk to your diabetes team before stopping: your blood sugar may change.
- Appetite usually returns over a few weeks after stopping semaglutide.
- Protein, strength exercise and regular meals help with weight after stopping either medicine.
Ozempic and Wegovy: the same medicine, different uses
Both contain semaglutide. Ozempic is licensed in the UK to treat type 2 diabetes; Wegovy is licensed for weight management, at a different dose. People often use the name Ozempic for both.
Ozempic and Wegovy are trademarks of Novo Nordisk. Steadie isn't connected with Novo Nordisk and doesn't give advice about medication.
If you have diabetes
Stopping a diabetes medicine can change your blood sugar. Please talk to your GP, diabetes nurse or prescriber before stopping, so they can plan any changes to your treatment and how you'll check your levels.
Appetite and weight after semaglutide
Whatever it was prescribed for, semaglutide quietens appetite, and that effect fades over the weeks after stopping. In the STEP 1 trial of semaglutide for weight management, people regained about two-thirds of their weight loss within a year of stopping, on average. See what happens when you stop.
What helps
The same habits help whichever brand you took: protein at every meal, strength exercise, regular meals with fibre, walking, and a calm way to watch your weight.
Common questions
Is Ozempic the same as Wegovy?
Both are semaglutide. In the UK, Ozempic is licensed for type 2 diabetes and Wegovy for weight management.
Can I stop Ozempic suddenly?
Talk to your diabetes team or prescriber first. Stopping can affect blood sugar, and they'll plan the right approach for you.
Sources
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Steadie never gives advice about medication, doses or stopping treatment: talk to your prescriber, GP or pharmacist about those. In an emergency, call 999. Read how we write guides in our editorial policy.