I'm an Endocrinologist and This One Mistake Will Ruin Your Results After Stopping GLP-1s

Embarking on a weight-loss journey is incredibly personal. Many individuals are now turning to weight-loss meds—GLP-1s like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro—to achieve their goal weight. A-list celebs—including Amy Schumer, Oprah Winfrey, and Serena Williams—have hopped on the bandwagon, and it's easy to see why. These injections can lead to incredible transformations. As with any medication, weight-loss injections come with caveats. From losing muscle mass to reverting to old habits after weaning off the medication, there are several important factors to keep in mind. We spoke with Dr. Rekha Kumar, Senior Medical Advisor at Found, who shares one major mistake that can ruin your results after stopping GLP-1s.

Below, Dr. Kumar breaks down some of the most common side effects she sees patients face after going off GLP-1 meds.

1. Spike in hunger signals
2. Increased food noise
3. Weight gain
4. Rapid rise in blood sugar
5. Gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea or changes in bowel movements

"The longer someone has been on the medication, the more likely they are to notice these effects, which is why I recommend tapering and support from a trained metabolic care provider are key," Dr. Kumar points out.

The No. 1 mistake after stopping

The number one mistake you can make after stopping a GLP-1? Not having a solid game plan in place.

"Stopping a GLP-1 without a plan removes the medication's metabolic support before someone has built the habits needed to sustain their results," Dr. Kumar explains. "Patients may assume the medication alone created their progress and underestimate how important nutrition, movement, sleep, and ongoing support from a qualified care provider are in maintaining it. Without a structured transition with their clinician, old patterns can re-emerge quickly."

GLP-1s help reduce hunger signals and delay gastric emptying, which makes you feel full after consuming a small portion of food. When you stop taking these meds, it makes perfect sense that their effects will diminish.

"Gastric emptying returns to normal, hunger hormones rebound, and cravings can intensify. All of this makes it easier to consume more calories than intended, even with the best intentions," Dr. Kumar tells us.

Build the plan while you're still on the medication

Here's what you can do in advance to avoid these setbacks. Dr. Kumar stresses the importance of being prepared while you're still on the medication.

"I encourage patients to use this period to build a predictable eating pattern with balanced meals, establish a consistent physical activity routine, identify personal triggers for overeating or cravings, and work with a metabolic care provider to plan a taper and transition early," Dr. Kumar notes.

Being prepared sets the foundation to help you navigate the time period after discontinuing weight-loss meds.

If you anticipate transitioning off a GLP-1 in the future, speak with your healthcare provider about a maintenance plan. According to Dr. Kumar, a successful one should address the below:

• Metabolic and weight history
• A sustainable long-term nutrition plan
• A sustainable long-term workout routine
• A structured tapering schedule
• Support tools to help manage cravings and hunger as your body adapts

"Approaching discontinuation as a guided transition—not an abrupt stop—gives patients the best chance of maintaining their progress and continuing to feel well," Dr. Kumar shares.

If you're looking to optimize your nutrition while taking weight-loss meds, check out I'm a Pharmacist and These 3 Supplements Are Non-Negotiables for Anyone on a GLP-1.