I'm a Doctor Who Treats GLP-1 Patients and Here Are 3 Signs You Should Stop Taking It

If you're embarking on a GLP-1 journey to lose weight, it's essential to be well-informed about the medication. Understanding the benefits, risks, and potential side effects, can make your experience much more effective. To help you out, we spoke with Dr. Bronwyn Holmes, M.D., Medical Advisory Board at metabolic health platform Eden, who treats GLP-1 patients and learned three warning signs you should stop taking weight-loss drugs.

"There are three key situations where licensed providers may decide a GLP‑1 medication is no longer appropriate," Dr. Holmes tells us.

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Mild GI symptoms are quite common and typically resolved. However, some individuals may experience constant or more serious side effects, such as dehydration from vomiting, gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying), or severe discomfort that can majorly impact quality of life.

"In these cases, discontinuation or dose adjustment is often warranted," Dr. Holmes says. "A licensed provider may explore alternate medications, slower titration schedules, or supportive therapies (fiber protocols, pro-motility agents)."

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GLP-1s delay gastric emptying, which increases the risk of pulmonary aspiration when under anesthesia.

"For patients undergoing surgery, medications are often paused one to two weeks prior at the provider's discretion to reduce risk per guidelines," Dr. Holmes says.

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Another reason to stop taking GLP-1 medication is if your efforts plateau and are followed by "psychological or metabolic backslide."

According to Dr. Holmes, "If a member reaches a prolonged plateau and begins experiencing increased cravings, weight regain, fatigue, or discouragement, it may signal that the GLP-1 is no longer appropriately dosed or effective, or that it's time to reevaluate the plan entirely."

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Here's how to tell if you're experiencing manageable side effects—and not red flags that call for discontinuation.

Manageable, expected symptoms that are common in early weeks:

• Mild nausea, particularly after consuming big or fatty meals
• Early satiety or reduced appetite
• Occasional constipation
• Occasional fatigue

"These can often be addressed with smaller, protein-rich meals; proper hydration and electrolyte balance, gradual dosage increases, and dietitian-guided protocols," Dr. Holmes says.

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These are the warning signs you should let your healthcare provider know of immediately:

• Persistent or severe vomiting/nausea lasting over 24 hours
• Signs of dehydration (low blood pressure, dizziness, confusion)
• Abdominal pain that extends into your back (could be a sign of pancreatitis)
• Inability to perform normal activities or tolerate food after several weeks
• Severe constipation that isn't residing after hydration, fiber, or diet
• Shortness of breath or odd symptoms around a surgical procedure

"In short, if a side effect is disrupting daily life or persisting beyond the initial adjustment period, it deserves proper evaluation," Dr. Holmes says.

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While individual results differ, the best outcomes occur when GLP-1s are part of a larger well-rounded routine. Dr. Holmes's three golden rules include: "sip, don't gulp" (stay hydrated and avoid greasy foods), "don't neglect muscle" (perform regular strength training and consume sufficient protein), and "check in regularly" with your healthcare provider.

"In addition, have a plan for what comes next. GLP‑1s are often a short- to medium-term tool. If you stop, what systems are in place to support long-term metabolic stability? That matters," Dr. Holmes says.

If you're curious what happens to your body when you wean off weight-loss meds, check out 5 Body Changes Doctor Warns Happen When Patients Stop Taking Ozempic.