Considering stopping GLP-1... anyone else?

Bee-IMO

Bee-IMO

Well-known member
I'm finding that while on this medication, my enthusiasm for exercise and maintaining a high-protein diet has plummeted. Consequently, I'm not eating enough and feel like I'm shedding muscle. My weight loss has also stalled. I've been off it for about a month now, focusing on weightlifting and running. Although my weight is the same, I'm enjoying my meals, my libido has improved, and I'm consistently working out. I feel much stronger and overall more energetic. The real issue is figuring out how to stay motivated to exercise while taking this medication.
 
This is a pretty typical complaint I hear about these meds. The appetite suppression is amazing for losing weight, but it can also kill your motivation for food and working out. If you're not getting enough calories, it makes sense that your drive to train would diminish. If you're feeling better off the medication, that's definitely valuable information. It's much easier to keep up with long-term body composition goals when you actually enjoy the process. Some people try to increase their protein intake and keep lifting a priority even while on the medication. Others decide the trade-off isn't worth it. It really depends on what you're trying to achieve.
 
What dosage were you taking? Maybe a smaller dose would help your body without so many side effects, like the lack of motivation. Also, it takes about a month for the medication to fully leave your system, so the past month of running, gym, and healthy eating was still influenced by the drug. The next month will be the real test. Some people gain weight back quickly after stopping, even with exercise and healthy eating, since we're dealing with a metabolic issue.
 
Hi! I've had a very similar experience, so I wanted to share my story. I was on this medication from late June '25 to early January '26. I was on 2.5mg for July and August and then 5mg for the rest of the time. I started at 100kg and ended at 76kg. Towards the end, I felt like I was losing muscle and other positive aspects of myself. It also started to negatively affect my confidence and made me feel physically weak. So, I decided to stop and hit the gym! I've been going for just over 7 weeks now and feel so much better. I've maintained my weight, I'm gaining muscle quickly, and I'm eating better than ever. I don't feel weak, and my confidence has improved a lot. It was the best decision for me! Just be aware that you might gain some weight due to muscle gain, but it won't be fat. I've kept all the eating habits I learned while on the medication, and it's working great for the gym! Good luck!
 
I'm experiencing something similar. I completely lost interest in workouts and sports. I'd show up, but my performance was terrible, and recovery took forever. I stopped the 5mg dose a couple of weeks ago, and my energy is about 80% back. I'm still worried about regaining the weight I lost and I'm still about 15 pounds heavier than I'd like. I might try a lower dose eventually, but for now, I want to see how things go without the medication.
 
I stopped two weeks ago, and my mental health has improved so much. I experienced severe anhedonia and depression while on the medication (especially 24-48 hours after injections), and nothing seemed fun. I didn't go to the gym, hang out with friends, or do any of my hobbies because nothing excited me. I couldn't get a dopamine hit from anything. Thankfully, I'm starting to feel like myself again and enjoying things I used to. I only planned to take it for a couple of months to lose weight before summer, but it wasn't worth it. I'd rather be heavier and happy than feel the way I did on the medication. The depression came on so quickly and intensely that it honestly scared me.
 
What dose are you on? I just started recently (but have been on another similar medication for a couple of years without much success). I've noticed I'm more tired, but it's hard to pinpoint the exact cause. I'm a lifter and hit personal records last week, but recovery took longer. I'm trying to lose weight slowly and stick with the lowest effective dose for as long as possible.
 
This has been my struggle also! I was REALLY considering stopping it for the same reasons but I want to get down to somewhere between 140-150lbs before I quit. I’m currently at 185. It pretty much kills my drive for everything, including eating. I just try to stick to my meal preps. When I go to the gym lately, it feels like the hardest thing ever.
 
Maybe try not relying on motivation so much. I’m over a year into this process and I basically just force myself to do the steps, day after day. Motivation is just a bonus if I happen to have it.
 
I quit the medication and gained maybe 10lbs. I've also had to deal with some family problems, so that hasn't helped. I'm focusing on eating healthy and doing a liver cleanse now. I want a healthier lifestyle and to avoid junk food. It's tough, but we can do it if we're determined!
 
I’m considering stopping or drastically reducing too. I find it so hard to stay motivated to eat well. I still exercise because that was already a habit, but I'm definitely less enthusiastic about it. I'm miserable overall. Also, I stopped losing weight after the first month, so it feels like I'm wasting money to feel awful. Good luck to everyone; I hope I do okay without it.
 
Have you thought about testosterone replacement therapy? Have you ever had your levels checked? I didn't get tested myself, but I started, and it's been transformative. The medication and TRT have boosted my motivation and libido like crazy. Of course, not everything works for everyone, but it might be worth considering.
 
When I was in a similar situation, I was advised to lower my dosage. You should still feel hunger. I got "too hungry" on a lower dose, and within a month, I went back to the higher one, but it was a good lesson in understanding my body's signals.
 
I actually didn't find it hard to stay motivated. If you do stop, you'll regain weight. You'll literally return to your pre-medication eating habits. So, figure out what your priorities are.
 
PinLady said:
If you do stop, you'll regain weight. You'll literally return to your pre-medication eating habits.
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That's not necessarily true for everyone. Some research suggests that after using these medications, some people experience lasting changes in their appetite regulation, even after stopping. Everyone responds differently.
 
I'm really hoping that changing my lifestyle while on this med will help me keep the weight off after I stop. I've been lifting weights and hitting the gym pretty hard. Hopefully, that will make a difference.
 
I'm starting to think I'll be on this for life! The thought of the food noise coming back is terrifying. It's like this medication fixed something that was always broken.
 
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