Guide · Long term · 3 min read

If you stop the medicine

By the CalJab team, with sources · Last reviewed October 21, 2026

While the medicine is continued, the lower weight was kept for at least 4 years in studies. ³ When it is stopped, weight regain is common: up to two-thirds of the lost weight comes back within a year. ³ This was seen even with nutrition counselling or behavioural therapy. ³

What the studies show

• Tirzepatide (SURMOUNT-4): after 36 weeks on tirzepatide, people who switched to placebo regained 14.8% of their weight over the next 52 weeks, while those who continued lost a further 6.7%. ¹ Even so, the placebo group's average weight at the end was still below where they started. ¹
• Semaglutide (STEP 1): in the year after stopping, weight went up in both groups, but it stayed 5.6% below the starting weight in the semaglutide group, compared with 0.1% in the placebo group. ²

Plan it with your doctor

• Don't stop your medicine without talking to your doctor. ²
• There is no proven plan yet: whether a more structured nutrition and lifestyle programme can limit regain after stopping has not been tested in controlled trials. ³

Habits that matter

• Strength and activity: the NHS suggests strengthening activities on at least 2 days a week and at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week. ⁴
• Food: the Advisory recommends more minimally processed, nutrient-dense foods and fewer starch- and sugar-rich ultraprocessed foods. ³
• Less sitting: break up long periods of not moving with some activity. ⁴

In CalJab

If you keep logging your weight, Body shows your weekly change and marks a plateau. Your protein target and How are you stay the same. Your doctor report shows your weight and doses together, which helps when you talk about stopping.

Decide on stopping or changing your medicine together with your doctor.

Written by the CalJab team, with sources. It does not replace your doctor's advice. Found a mistake? Write to support@caljab.app.