Tapering and discontinuation
Coming off a GLP-1 is not just an on/off switch, and it is never something to do on your own. This pillar gathers what the evidence says about discontinuation strategies so you can have a more informed conversation with your prescriber. Nothing here is an instruction to start, stop, change, or taper a dose; those decisions belong to you and your clinician.
The research suggests gradual tapering may soften the rebound compared with stopping cold turkey, by letting counter-regulatory appetite hormones rise slowly enough for your habits to keep pace. Reduced-frequency dosing can preserve a meaningful share of the weight loss for people who cannot stay on full-dose therapy. Microdosing, by contrast, is not a recommended practice.
This hub links the tapering articles, the educational taper visualizer (a 'bring this to your clinician' scaffold, never a prescription), and the glossary terms that come up in these conversations.
Educational only. This is educational, not medical advice. Everyone's body responds differently. Talk to your clinician before starting, stopping, changing, or tapering any medication, and work with your physician and a registered dietitian to personalize your approach.
Read the guides
- Tapering
How to Taper Off GLP-1s (Safely, With Your Clinician)
How tapering off a GLP-1 actually works, what the research shows about stepping down vs. stopping cold turkey, and how it differs across Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, Mounjaro, and Saxenda. Educational, not a schedule.
- Tapering
Tapering Off Ozempic: What to Discuss With Your Doctor
Coming off Ozempic is a medical decision. Here are the questions to bring to your clinician and what the research shows about tapering and dosing.
The pillars
Tools
Key terms
Frequently asked questions
Is tapering better than stopping cold turkey?
A pilot study found gradual tapering maintained weight while cold-turkey cessation showed rapid regain, likely because slow tapering lets appetite hormones rise gradually. This is educational background; any change to your dose is a decision for your clinician.
What is reduced-frequency dosing?
Dosing less often (for example, every two weeks at a lower amount) has preserved a large share of weight loss in research, and may be an option for people who cannot afford or tolerate full-dose therapy. Only your clinician can decide if it is appropriate.
Is microdosing a good way to come off?
No. Obesity-medicine specialists do not recommend microdosing (ultra-low, sub-approved doses), and there is no clinical evidence supporting it for sustained benefit. Clinician-guided tapering or reduced-frequency dosing are the evidence-based paths.