Stopping GLP-1: Weight, Appetite, Side Effects (Trial Data)
Agree a plan with your prescriber before you stop GLP-1 medicines. What you are trying to keep: in SURMOUNT-1, people on tirzepatide 15 mg weekly lost 20.9% on average over 72 weeks.
- Average loss, top dose
- 20.9%
- On placebo
- 3.1%
- Trial length
- 72 weeks
- Trial
- SURMOUNT-1
Weight loss and half-life overview
The number of days your body takes to remove half a dose is the half-life. Each FDA label gives this in section 12.3.
Share of body weight. Trials use different doses and lengths, so compare each one with its own placebo on its page.
GLP-1 stopping: the numbers first
Each GLP-1 is listed at the top dose from its main weight trial. Different trials enrolled different people.
| Trial | Dose group | Average weight lost | Placebo or comparison | Weeks | Who was in it |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STEP 1 | Semaglutide 2.4 mg weekly | 14.9% | 2.4% | 68 | Adults with obesity or overweight, without diabetes |
| OASIS 4 | Wegovy pill 25 mg daily | 13.6% | 2.4% | 64 | Adults with obesity or overweight, without diabetes |
| SURMOUNT-1 | Tirzepatide 15 mg weekly | 20.9% | 3.1% | 72 | Adults with obesity or overweight, without diabetes |
| SURMOUNT-2 | Tirzepatide 15 mg weekly | 14.7% | 3.2% | 72 | Adults with obesity or overweight, with no type 2 diabetes |
| SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes | Liraglutide 3.0 mg daily | 7.4% | 3% | 56 | Adults who have obesity or overweight and also have type 2 diabetes |
| ATTAIN-1 | Foundayo 17.2 mg daily | 11.1% | 2.1% | 72 | Adults with obesity or overweight, without diabetes |
| ATTAIN-2 | Foundayo 17.2 mg daily | 9.6% | 2.5% | 72 | Adults with obesity or overweight, with no type 2 diabetes |
| STEP 2 | Semaglutide 2.4 mg weekly | 9.6% | 3.4% | 68 | Adults with obesity or overweight, with no type 2 diabetes |
Sources: STEP 1 (FDA label (DailyMed)), SURMOUNT-1 (FDA label (DailyMed)), SURMOUNT-2 (PubMed), SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes (FDA label (DailyMed)), ATTAIN-1 (FDA label (DailyMed)), STEP 2 (PubMed).
Keeping off the weight you lost
- Talk with your prescriber first, so the plan covers follow-up visits and any other medicines.
- Keep the eating habits you developed during drug use. Include protein with every meal, choose smaller portions, and have fewer sugary drinks.
- Keep moving. Strength training helps you hold onto muscle you already have.
- Set a regular weighing schedule. Beforehand, agree on the weight change that should prompt you to call your prescriber.
- If you take it because of diabetes, ask how your blood sugar will be managed after you stop.
How many people stopped in the trials
| Trial | Dose group | What happened | Drug | Placebo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STEP 1 | Semaglutide 2.4 mg weekly | Stopped for stomach or bowel side effects | 4.5% | Not listed |
| STEP 1 | All doses, label pool | Stopped for side effects | 6.8% | Not listed |
| SURMOUNT-1 | Tirzepatide 5 mg weekly | Stopped for side effects | 4.3% | 2.6% |
| SURMOUNT-1 | Tirzepatide 10 mg weekly | Stopped for side effects | 7.1% | 2.6% |
| SURMOUNT-1 | Tirzepatide 15 mg weekly | Stopped for side effects | 6.2% | 2.6% |
| SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes | All doses, label pool | Stopped for side effects | 9.8% | Not listed |
Sources: STEP 1 (FDA label (DailyMed)), STEP 1 (PubMed), SURMOUNT-1 (PubMed), SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes (FDA label (DailyMed)).