Although created as a medicine to treat people with Type-2 diabetes, Ozempic has been making headlines around the world as the miracle drug of choice when it comes to losing weight.
Also referred to as semaglutide, the drug works by mimicking a hormone known as GLP-1, which is responsible for regulating our appetite and blood sugar levels. This allows people with type 2 diabetes to produce more insulin and less sugar when needed.
However, the drug's appetite suppressant side effect means that it has now become popular with people seeking to lose weight, despite only being licensed for diabetes on the NHS.
With the demand for Ozempic - as well as similar, NHS approved drugs such as Wegovy and Mounjaro - increasing, many people are seeking to understand how taking the medication impacts your body.
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In fact there are plenty of first-hand accounts of celebrities discussing their experience on Ozempic and similar drugs, as well as this wonderful simulation from Zack D Films, which includes a disturbing depiction of diarrhoea.
But what happens when you finish taking Ozempic?
As I'm sure you won't be surprised to learn, finishing a course of Ozempic will mean an end to all the changes its had on your body. Which will be good news to anyone struggling with bad nausea but bad news for people with a particularly strong sugar craving.
Here are some of the most common side effects you can experience when coming off Ozempic.
Weight regain
Considering that weight-loss from Ozempic is down to a reduction in appetite, it shouldn't come as a surprise that stopping the drug can lead to a return of your previous eating habits.
According to a 2022 study, shared by Healthline, around two-thirds of patients re-gained up to two-thirds of the weight they'd lost after finished taking semaglutide. This is because patients will often experience weight gain once the suppressed appetite and slower stomach emptying ends.
Health.com adds that the return of a patient's original appetite and food cravings is also why it is not recommended to stop taking the drug immediately after reaching your goal weight.
"They feel that they can just take themselves off when they reach their goal weight when in reality, that could relate to weight regain because the effects of appetite suppression goes away with disruption of use," one health expert told the outlet.
However, it's important to note that not all users will regain weight, with a study by Epic Research revealing that over half users were able to maintain their new weight after finishing.
Reversal of Cardiometabolic Benefits
Given that Ozempic and similar drugs were created with the primary goal of treating type 2 diabetes, use of the medicine should lead to positive changes to your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar.
However, the 2022 study published in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism discovered these benefits will reverse within 12 months of stopping the medicine.
Gastrointestinal Changes
Anybody who's spent their entire semaglutide fighting nausea and an upset stomach will no doubt be jumping for joy at the fact such symptoms will resolve after a course of treatment.
But this isn't the case for everyone, as others may experience digestive discomfort as their body readjusts to faster gastric movement.
Psychological Impact
Changes to your body and appetite after stopping Ozempic or similar semaglutide drugs could also lead to increased stress and anxiety, particularly is accompanied by weight regain.
The most important takeaway is that Ozempic isn't a miracle, fix-all drug, with Healthline advising that results are best maintained in combination with a change in diet and exercise routine.
Brenna Cooper