Source: Mayo Clinic Press — original article · Independent UWAY commentary · AI-generated illustration.
Weight-loss injections such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro have changed the treatment of obesity. But what happens when these medicines are stopped? Can Ayurveda and Yoga play a supportive role in maintaining weight loss and improving long-term health?
The key takeaway
Weight regain is common after stopping these medicines. Ayurveda and Yoga may support food habits, activity and daily routines, but they have not been proven to prevent weight regain after GLP-1 treatment. Plan any treatment change with your prescribing doctor.
Losing weight is one thing. Maintaining it is another.
In recent years, medicines such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro have changed the way obesity is treated.
People who have struggled with excess weight for years are now seeing significant weight loss with these treatments. For many, the benefits go beyond weight reduction and include improvements in blood sugar and other metabolic health indicators.
This is an important development in modern medicine.
But there is another question that deserves attention.
What happens when someone stops taking these medicines?
A Mayo Clinic Press article on maintaining weight after stopping GLP-1 medicines brings attention to this issue.
Clinical studies show that many people regain a significant amount of weight after discontinuing treatment.
This raises a broader question: Is achieving weight loss enough, or should we also think about how to maintain better health over the years?
It is here that we can examine the potential complementary role of Ayurveda, Yoga and individualised lifestyle care.
What are GLP-1 weight-loss medicines?
GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone involved in regulating appetite and blood sugar.
Medicines such as semaglutide act on GLP-1 receptors. They reduce hunger, increase feelings of fullness and help people consume less food.
Tirzepatide acts on two hormone pathways, GIP and GLP-1, to help regulate appetite and blood sugar.
Some commonly known medicines include:
- Ozempic: Contains semaglutide and is used to treat type 2 diabetes.
- Wegovy: Also contains semaglutide but is approved for chronic weight management in eligible patients.
- Mounjaro: Contains tirzepatide and is approved in India for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management in eligible adults.
These are prescription medicines and should be taken only under appropriate medical supervision.
They can be highly effective. However, obesity is often a chronic condition, and maintaining the benefits of treatment may require ongoing medical care.
What happens after stopping Ozempic or Wegovy?
One of the most important studies on this subject is the STEP 1 trial extension, published in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism in 2022.
In the extension subset, participants receiving semaglutide 2.4 mg lost an average of 17.3% of their starting body weight over 68 weeks.
The dose studied was the weight-management dose of semaglutide, not necessarily the dose used by every patient taking Ozempic.
After treatment was discontinued, participants were followed for another year.
The researchers found that participants regained, on average, approximately two-thirds of the weight they had lost.
In numerical terms:
- Average weight loss during treatment: 17.3% of starting body weight
- Average regain after one year without treatment: 11.6 percentage points of starting body weight
- Average weight loss remaining at the end of the follow-up: 5.6% of starting body weight
It is important to note that the trial’s structured lifestyle intervention was also stopped when the medicine was discontinued.
The results do not mean that every patient will regain the same amount of weight.
But they do show that maintaining weight loss can be difficult after stopping treatment.
Source: STEP 1 Trial Extension, 2022
What happens after stopping Mounjaro?
A separate study, known as SURMOUNT-4, examined weight maintenance following treatment with tirzepatide, the medicine used in Mounjaro.
The results were published in JAMA in 2024.
Participants who completed the initial 36 weeks of tirzepatide treatment and entered the randomised phase achieved an average weight reduction of 20.9%.
They were then divided into two groups.
One group continued tirzepatide. The other group was switched to a placebo.
Over the following 52 weeks:
- Participants who continued tirzepatide lost an additional 5.5% of their body weight.
- Participants who stopped tirzepatide and switched to placebo regained an average of 14% of their body weight, measured from the point of withdrawal.
These results again demonstrate the importance of ongoing treatment and weight-maintenance planning.
The two studies used different medicines and treatment designs, so their percentages should not be treated as a direct comparison between semaglutide and tirzepatide.
Source: SURMOUNT-4 Randomised Clinical Trial, JAMA
Why does the body regain weight?
Many people assume that once weight is lost, maintaining it should simply be a matter of eating less and exercising more.
But weight regulation is more complicated than that.
Our appetite, energy requirements and body weight are influenced by several biological processes.
When a person loses weight, the body may respond by increasing hunger and adjusting energy expenditure.
GLP-1-based medicines help regulate appetite while treatment continues.
When the medication is discontinued, some of these effects gradually disappear. Hunger may return, and the person may find it difficult to follow the same eating pattern.
This is not always a matter of poor discipline or lack of willpower.
There are important biological factors involved.
Mayo Clinic endocrinologist Dr Meera Shah has also discussed how appetite signals may return after stopping these medications.
Mayo Clinic: Weaning Off Popular Weight-Loss Medications
The important lesson is that obesity cannot always be addressed through a short period of treatment.
For some people, continuing medication may be necessary. For others, doctors may recommend a different treatment plan.
The decision must be individualised.
GLP-1 medicines are gaining attention in India
India is already facing a major challenge from obesity, diabetes and other metabolic health conditions.
The ICMR-INDIAB study, published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology in 2023, offers important insights into the country’s metabolic health.
The study collected information from more than 1.13 lakh adults aged 20 years or older across India between 2008 and 2020.
Its findings included:
| Health condition | Estimated prevalence |
|---|---|
| Generalised obesity | 28.6% |
| Abdominal obesity | 39.5% |
| Diabetes | 11.4% |
| Prediabetes | 15.3% |
| Hypertension | 35.5% |
The study defined generalised obesity using a BMI of 25 or above, following Asia-Pacific criteria. This differs from the BMI threshold of 30 frequently used in international obesity statistics.
Abdominal obesity was assessed using waist circumference.
These numbers highlight why weight and metabolic health management deserve greater attention in India.
Source: ICMR-INDIAB National Study, 2023
How big is India’s GLP-1 medicines market?
The Indian market for GLP-1-based medicines is also expanding.
According to Pharmarack data reported by Financial Express in October 2026:
- The report put the broader anti-obesity drug market at approximately ₹287.9 crore in September 2026.
- It reported a moving annual sales value of approximately ₹2,492 crore for the GLP-1 market.
- GLP-1 sales value increased by approximately 72% compared with September 2025.
Interestingly, the report also indicated a decline of approximately 10% in units sold during the same comparison period.
This is an important distinction. An increase in sales value does not automatically mean a similar increase in the number of patients using these medicines.
These are market sales estimates, not patient counts. The report does not separate use for diabetes from use for weight management, so the figures should not be interpreted as weight-loss treatment uptake alone.
The launch of Mounjaro in India in March 2025 and increasing availability of semaglutide products have brought greater attention to these treatments.
Source: Financial Express, October 2026
As these medicines become more widely used, patients and doctors will increasingly need to discuss affordability, long-term use, treatment discontinuation and weight maintenance.
What does Ayurveda say about excess body weight?
Ayurveda has traditionally discussed excess body weight through the concept of Sthaulya.
In Ayurveda, the assessment of excess weight includes consideration of dietary habits, physical activity, daily routines and individual health characteristics.
An important principle is that every individual should not be approached in exactly the same way.
Consider two people with similar body weight.
One may have diabetes, disturbed sleep and high levels of stress.
The other may have irregular eating habits, very little physical activity and digestive discomfort.
Although their weight may be similar, their health concerns and treatment requirements may be quite different.
An individualised approach therefore considers the person’s overall health, existing illnesses, daily activities and ability to follow recommended changes.
Ayurveda also uses concepts such as Agni, Dosha and Meda in its traditional explanation of health and body tissues.
These concepts belong to the classical Ayurvedic medical framework. They should not be confused with scientifically established mechanisms such as GLP-1 signalling, insulin resistance or human energy metabolism.
The potential value of Ayurveda in contemporary weight management needs to be examined through appropriate clinical evidence.
Where can Ayurveda help in long-term weight management?
The most relevant connection is through individualised dietary advice, daily routines, physical activity and support for maintaining healthy behaviours.
Let us look at these areas.
1. Improving food habits
Food has an important place in Ayurveda.
The traditional approach considers not only the type of food consumed, but also the quantity, timing, preparation and suitability for the individual.
In daily practice, many people face common challenges:
They skip breakfast because they are rushing to work.
Lunch is delayed because of meetings.
Dinner happens late at night.
Food choices are often influenced by convenience rather than nutritional needs.
These patterns may make it difficult to maintain consistent eating habits.
A medically supervised dietary plan can help identify practical changes suited to the person’s working hours, existing health conditions and nutritional requirements.
Contemporary nutrition advice also emphasises dietary quality, adequate protein, appropriate energy intake and consistency.
There is no single Ayurvedic diet that has been proven to prevent weight regain after stopping GLP-1 medicines.
However, an individualised approach to food habits may support adherence to a broader weight-management plan.
2. Establishing a healthier daily routine
Ayurveda places importance on Dinacharya, or daily routine.
This includes consistency in activities such as eating, sleeping and physical activity.
For many working professionals, this is easier said than done.
Work schedules, travel, family responsibilities and stress often affect the ability to maintain healthy routines.
A person may follow a strict diet for a few weeks but find it difficult to continue when normal work and family responsibilities return.
This is why practical changes matter.
A regular meal schedule, a manageable walking routine and consistent sleep timings may be easier to sustain than an overly restrictive plan.
The objective should not be perfection.
It should be to develop habits that suit everyday life.
3. Physical activity and Yoga
Regular physical activity is an important part of weight management.
Walking, aerobic exercise and strength training can improve physical fitness and support weight maintenance.
Strength training is particularly relevant during weight loss because preserving muscle mass is important for physical function and long-term health.
Yoga may provide additional benefits.
It can help with flexibility, balance, body awareness and stress management.
Some studies have also examined its effects on body weight and metabolic health.
A systematic review published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine in 2023 examined 15 studies involving 1,161 participants.
The results varied depending on the comparison group and the outcome measured. The evidence did not consistently demonstrate that Yoga produced greater weight reduction than control interventions. The authors highlighted a high risk of bias and limitations in evidence quality.
This means Yoga may be useful as one part of a broader health programme, but it should not be presented as a proven substitute for established obesity treatment.
Yoga also does not necessarily replace aerobic activity or resistance training.
A suitable exercise plan may include several forms of physical activity, selected according to the individual’s age, medical condition and ability.
Source: Systematic Review of Yoga in Obesity, 2023
4. Managing sleep and stress
Sleep and stress are often overlooked in discussions about weight.
Poor sleep can affect appetite, food choices, energy levels and the ability to remain physically active.
Similarly, persistent stress may influence eating behaviour in some individuals.
A person who regularly sleeps for only five or six hours may find it difficult to maintain consistent exercise and meal routines.
Yoga, relaxation practices, sleep hygiene and appropriate counselling may help address some of these concerns.
From an Ayurveda perspective, sleep and mental well-being are also important aspects of health.
However, improving sleep or reducing stress alone cannot be assumed to prevent weight regain after stopping GLP-1 treatment.
These measures are supportive components of comprehensive care.
5. Ongoing medical assessment and support
One of the clearest lessons from modern obesity research is the need for continuity of care.
A person who has lost weight may still require medical follow-up.
The doctor may need to monitor body weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, blood sugar and other health indicators.
Dietary habits, physical activity and treatment adherence also need periodic review.
An Ayurveda physician providing complementary care can assess the patient’s routines, concerns and ability to follow recommended changes.
When someone is already receiving treatment for obesity, diabetes or another metabolic condition, this support should be coordinated with the treating medical team.
Can Ayurveda prevent weight regain after stopping GLP-1 medicines?
This is an important question, and the answer must be clear.
There is currently insufficient high-quality clinical evidence to establish that Ayurveda prevents weight regain specifically after stopping GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide or tirzepatide.
Ayurveda may provide a framework for improving food habits, daily routines and other lifestyle practices.
But that is different from demonstrating that it can replace the appetite-regulating effects of these medicines.
The two should not be confused.
Patients should also be careful about taking herbal formulations or supplements alongside existing medicines without medical advice.
Such products can have safety concerns, interactions and quality-related risks.
Ayurveda should not be presented as a reason to discontinue a prescribed treatment.
Its potential role is complementary and should be evaluated according to individual medical needs and the available evidence.
What does the World Health Organization recommend?
In December 2025, the World Health Organization published guidance on the use of GLP-1-based therapies for obesity.
WHO recognises obesity as a chronic, relapsing disease requiring long-term care.
Its guidance conditionally recommends GLP-1-based therapies as a long-term treatment option for eligible adults with obesity, excluding pregnant women.
It also emphasises comprehensive care involving healthy eating, regular physical activity and behavioural support.
Importantly, this is not an argument that lifestyle interventions can replace medication for everyone.
Rather, long-term obesity care may involve medication, behavioural support and management of associated medical conditions.
Source: WHO Guidelines on GLP-1 Medicines, December 2025
Why weight alone should not define good health
Body weight is an important health indicator, but it does not tell us everything about a person’s health.
Two individuals of the same weight can have very different metabolic profiles.
For example, one person may have normal blood sugar and blood pressure, while another may have diabetes, high blood pressure and increased abdominal fat.
Measures such as waist circumference, blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, muscle strength and physical fitness are therefore also important.
This is particularly relevant in India, where metabolic health risks may occur at relatively lower BMI levels.
At the same time, excess body fat is a recognised health risk, and clinically appropriate weight reduction can provide substantial benefits.
The point is not to ignore body weight.
It is to look at weight as one part of overall health.
What should you do if you are planning to stop Ozempic or Mounjaro?
If you are considering stopping a GLP-1-based medicine, speak with the doctor who prescribed it.
People may consider discontinuation for different reasons.
Some may experience side effects. Some may be concerned about cost. Others may believe they no longer need treatment after reaching their weight-loss goal.
Before making a decision, it is useful to review your medical condition and long-term treatment options.
Depending on individual needs, your doctor may recommend continuing treatment, changing medicines or another medically supervised approach.
A long-term plan should also address nutrition, physical activity, sleep, health monitoring and follow-up.
Ayurveda and Yoga may be considered as complementary support where suitable, but not as substitutes for required medical treatment.
Looking beyond weight loss
GLP-1-based medicines have made a significant contribution to modern obesity treatment.
For many patients, they offer benefits that were difficult to achieve with earlier treatment approaches.
At the same time, research on weight regain highlights why long-term care is important.
This is a useful area for modern medicine and traditional approaches such as Ayurveda and Yoga to engage with each other responsibly.
Modern medicine provides evidence-based treatments for obesity and associated metabolic conditions.
Ayurveda offers traditional approaches that emphasise individualised food habits, daily routines and other aspects of everyday living.
Yoga may provide additional support for physical activity and mental well-being.
These approaches should be used according to the patient’s needs, with medical supervision and clear recognition of the available evidence.
The real objective is not to promise quick weight loss or a permanent result from a short intervention.
It is to help people improve their health and maintain those improvements through appropriate, continuing care.
Frequently asked questions
1. Will I regain weight after stopping Ozempic or Wegovy?
Weight regain is common after stopping semaglutide treatment. In the STEP 1 trial extension, participants regained approximately two-thirds of their previous weight loss over one year after discontinuing the medicine and the trial’s structured lifestyle intervention. Individual outcomes vary.
2. What happens when you stop Mounjaro?
After stopping tirzepatide, appetite and body weight may increase. In the SURMOUNT-4 trial, participants who switched to placebo regained an average of 14% of their body weight over the following 52 weeks, measured from the time of treatment withdrawal.
3. Can Ayurveda help maintain weight loss after GLP-1 treatment?
Ayurveda may support individualised food habits, routines and lifestyle practices. However, there is insufficient clinical evidence to show that Ayurveda specifically prevents weight regain after stopping GLP-1 medicines.
4. Can Yoga help with obesity?
Yoga may contribute to physical activity, flexibility and stress management. Some research suggests possible benefits for weight-related outcomes, but results are mixed. It is best considered as part of a broader health plan.
5. Is Mounjaro available in India?
Yes. Mounjaro, containing tirzepatide, was launched in India in March 2025 and is available on prescription for eligible patients with type 2 diabetes or those requiring chronic weight management.
6. Is it safe to stop GLP-1 injections suddenly?
You should discuss discontinuation with your prescribing doctor. Stopping treatment can result in weight regain or changes in blood sugar control, particularly in people being treated for diabetes.
7. What is Sthaulya in Ayurveda?
Sthaulya is a classical Ayurvedic term associated with excess body weight. Traditional Ayurveda considers food habits, physical activity, individual characteristics and daily routines when assessing and managing the condition.
Medical references and further reading
- Mayo Clinic Press. Maintaining Weight After Stopping GLP-1s.
- Mayo Clinic News Network. Weaning Off Popular Weight-Loss Medications. August 2024.
- Wilding JP et al. Weight Regain and Cardiometabolic Effects After Withdrawal of Semaglutide: STEP 1 Trial Extension. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, 2022.
- Aronne LJ et al. Continued Treatment With Tirzepatide for Maintenance of Weight Reduction: SURMOUNT-4. JAMA, 2024.
- Anjana RM et al. ICMR-INDIAB National Cross-Sectional Study. The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, 2023.
- Financial Express. New Products Drive 72% Growth in GLP-1 Market in September: Pharmarack. October 2026.
- Siti Asiah AS et al. Effect of Yoga on Anthropometry, Quality of Life and Lipid Profile in Patients With Obesity. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 2023.
- World Health Organization. WHO Issues Global Guideline on GLP-1 Medicines for Obesity. December 2025.
- Eli Lilly India. Mounjaro Launch for Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes. March 2025.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general health education. It is not a substitute for individual medical consultation, diagnosis or treatment. Patients should not stop, reduce or change prescribed medication without consulting their treating doctor.
