Wondering how long you’ll need semaglutide? Learn what licensed providers may consider when creating a long-term treatment plan with GLP-1 medications.
If you're considering semaglutide, whether through Ozempic®, Wegovy®, or a treatment prescribed by a licensed provider, you may be asking an important question: How long do I need to take it?
The short answer is: it depends.
Semaglutide has been shown in clinical studies to support blood sugar control and, in some cases, weight reduction when used under medical supervision. However, the duration of treatment may vary depending on your health goals, response to the medication, and the clinical judgment of a licensed healthcare provider. Importantly, stopping semaglutide may result in a return of previous symptoms or weight changes for some patients, which is why ongoing medical guidance is essential.
This blog examines the current research, the considerations licensed healthcare providers may take into account when determining the duration of semaglutide treatment, and the information patients should be aware of when contemplating long-term use.
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, a class of medications that mimics the glucagon-like peptide-1 hormone your body naturally produces. This hormone plays a role in regulating blood sugar levels, slowing gastric emptying, and signaling fullness to the brain.
Originally developed for managing type 2 diabetes (as seen in Ozempic®), semaglutide is also FDA-approved under the brand name Wegovy® for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight and at least one weight-related condition.
Whether prescribed as part of a type 2 diabetes treatment plan or as a metabolic health intervention, the way semaglutide functions in the body may influence how long providers recommend continuing treatment.
In clinical trials, patients who stopped taking semaglutide often experienced a gradual return of weight or elevated blood sugar levels, especially if lifestyle changes weren’t sustained.
One study published in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism found that participants who discontinued semaglutide after 68 weeks regained an average of two-thirds of the weight they had lost within one year of stopping treatment.
This does not mean semaglutide must be taken forever. Instead, it highlights the importance of having an ongoing plan for metabolic health, whether that includes medication, lifestyle changes, or both.
{{primary-cta}}
Licensed healthcare providers typically consider several factors before deciding how long a patient should stay on semaglutide:
In many cases, semaglutide may be used as a long-term treatment, particularly when addressing chronic conditions like obesity or type 2 diabetes. However, how long a patient stays on the medication should always be guided by the individualized judgment of a licensed healthcare provider.
Long-term studies of semaglutide, including SUSTAIN* and STEP trial extensions**, have shown that it may be safe and effective when taken over an extended period, with ongoing monitoring by a licensed healthcare provider.
For example, in the STEP 5 trial, semaglutide 2.4 mg (Wegovy®) was evaluated over two years and continued to show benefits in weight reduction and maintenance when combined with behavioral therapy.
However, it’s important to note that:
As with any medication, ongoing use should be re-evaluated regularly by a licensed provider to ensure it continues to align with your goals and health status.
*The form of semaglutide used in SUSTAIN trials was the once-weekly subcutaneous injection, marketed under the brand name Ozempic®.
**The semaglutide formulation used in this trial is the same as what was later approved and marketed under the brand name Wegovy®.
{{primary-cta}}
If you’ve reached your target weight, improved key health markers, or stabilized blood sugar levels, you may be wondering: Can I stop taking semaglutide?
Possibly, but not without medical input.
Some licensed healthcare providers may recommend tapering or stopping the medication gradually, while continuing lifestyle strategies that support your results. Others may recommend ongoing, lower-dose maintenance if discontinuation puts you at risk of health setbacks.
Either way, it’s important not to make changes to your treatment plan without professional guidance. Abruptly stopping semaglutide can result in rebound effects if the underlying causes of weight gain or insulin resistance haven’t been addressed.
So, do you need to take semaglutide forever? Not necessarily, but for many, it may be a longer-term part of managing a chronic condition like obesity or type 2 diabetes. Whether you're just starting or you’ve already been on semaglutide for some time, it’s essential to work with a licensed healthcare provider to understand what’s best for your body, your goals, and your health trajectory.
Licensed providers available through the Eden platform evaluate each patient individually and may help determine whether continued use of semaglutide or an alternative strategy is most appropriate.
Disclaimer: The FDA does not approve compounded medications for safety, quality, or manufacturing. Prescriptions and a medical evaluation are required for certain products. The information provided on this blog is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice from a qualified healthcare professional and should not be relied upon as personal health advice. The information contained in this blog is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any medical concerns, including side effects. Use of this blog's information is at your own risk. The blog owner is not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any suggestions or information provided in this blog.
Eden is not a medical provider or a pharmacy. Eden connects individuals with independent licensed healthcare providers who independently evaluate each patient to determine whether a prescription treatment program is appropriate. All prescriptions are written at the sole discretion of the licensed provider. Medications are filled by independent, state-licensed pharmacies. Eden does not manufacture, own, or dispense any medications. Please consult a licensed healthcare provider before making any medical decisions.
Aroda, V., Ahmann, A., Cariou, B., Chow, F., Davies, M., Jódar, E., Mehta, R., Woo, V., & Lingvay, I. (2019). Comparative efficacy, safety, and cardiovascular outcomes with once-weekly subcutaneous semaglutide in the treatment of type 2 diabetes: Insights from the SUSTAIN 1–7 trials. Diabetes & Metabolism, 45(5), 409–418. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.diabet.2018.12.001
Qin, W., Yang, J., Deng, C., Ruan, Q., & Duan, K. (2023). Efficacy and safety of semaglutide 2.4 mg for weight loss in overweight or obese adults without diabetes: An updated systematic review and meta‐analysis including the 2‐year STEP 5 trial. Diabetes Obesity and Metabolism, 26(3), 911–923. https://doi.org/10.1111/dom.15386
Wilding, J. P. H., Batterham, R. L., Davies, M., Van Gaal, L. F., Kandler, K., Konakli, K., Lingvay, I., McGowan, B. M., Oral, T. K., Rosenstock, J., Wadden, T. A., Wharton, S., Yokote, K., & Kushner, R. F. (2022). Weight regain and cardiometabolic effects after withdrawal of semaglutide: The STEP 1 trial extension. Diabetes Obesity and Metabolism, 24(8), 1553–1564. https://doi.org/10.1111/dom.14725
