Maintenance on GLP-1s: Why It Looks Different for Everyone

Reaching your weight loss goals with GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Zepbound is a huge achievement—but what happens next? The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all plan for GLP-1 maintenance. For some people, stopping feels right. For others, continuing on a smaller dose (or spacing out shots) is what keeps them steady.

At Flow Wellness, we remind our patients: maintenance is not about perfection—it’s about balance, flexibility, and protecting the progress you’ve worked so hard for.

Why GLP-1 Maintenance Looks Different for Everyone

• Your body, your journey: Weight history, metabolism, hormones, and mental health all shape your path.

• Different goals, different strategies: Some people want to taper off completely, while others thrive on a low-dose “maintenance plan.”

• Real-world truth: Only about 10–20% of people can fully stop GLP-1s and maintain weight loss long-term without support. That means for most, continued use—at least in some form—is part of the plan. And that’s okay.

Smart Strategies for GLP-1 Maintenance

Quitting cold turkey isn’t harmful, but it can be jarring. Instead, most patients do best with a gradual taper.

Popular approaches include:

• Spacing out doses → shifting from once a week to every 10 days or even every other week

• Lowering the dose → using fewer milligrams weekly while still getting support

• A combination → a smaller dose spaced farther apart

Why it works: Tapering reduces the chance of sudden hunger spikes, helps prevent weight regain, and makes it easy to bump your dose back up if needed.

Switching from Tirzepatide (TZ) to Semaglutide (SG) for Maintenance

At Flow Wellness, we see many patients who start their weight loss journey on tirzepatide (Zepbound or Mounjaro) and later transition to semaglutide (Ozempic or Wegovy) for maintenance.

Here’s why this switch can make sense:

• Easier to maintain: Tirzepatide delivers dramatic results quickly, but once you’ve reached your goals, semaglutide may be enough to hold progress at a lower dose.

• Flexible dosing: Semaglutide works well for spaced-out or reduced-dose maintenance while still controlling hunger and cravings.

• Cost considerations: At lower maintenance doses, semaglutide can sometimes be a more affordable long-term option.

Switching isn’t for everyone—but when it fits, it can be a smart way to protect results without pushing your body harder than necessary. At Flow Wellness, our providers create personalized step-down plans so you can transition with confidence, knowing you can always adjust if needed.

What Research Says About Stopping GLP-1s

• Stopping is common: 47–65% of patients discontinue GLP-1s within a year

• Restarting is normal: 36–47% restart within 12 months—usually when hunger returns

• Continuing is typical: Many patients stay on GLP-1s long-term for benefits beyond weight loss, like improved blood sugar and PCOS support

• Weight regain happens: On average, about two-thirds of lost weight is regained within a year of stopping

• Some maintain without meds: About 20–25% can keep weight off with strong nutrition, activity, and lifestyle habits

A Personalized, Sustainable Approach

At Flow Wellness, we help you build a custom GLP-1 maintenance plan that fits your lifestyle:

• Start small → taper slowly and monitor how your body feels

• Stay consistent → protein-rich meals, hydration, movement, and sleep matter more than ever

• Track your progress → weigh-ins, mood check-ins, and habit tracking help you stay ahead of changes

• Stay flexible → adjusting your dose is not failure—it’s smart management

• Lean on your provider → your care team is here to help you navigate every step

The Bottom Line

GLP-1 maintenance isn’t “all or nothing.” It’s about finding the right mix of medication, lifestyle, and self-awareness that works for you. Whether you taper down, switch from tirzepatide to semaglutide, space out doses, or eventually stop, remember: your journey is your own, and every step forward counts.

Not sure which maintenance plan is best for you? Message your personal provider here.

Learn more about stopping your medicine (or not) in these posts:

• Maintaining Weight Loss After Stopping Semaglutide or Tirzepatide
• What Happens If You Stop GLP-1 medication? (Real Patient Stories)
• Microdosing GLP-1 Medications

GLP-1 medications must be obtained with a prescription by a licensed medical provider. Compounded GLP-1 medications nor injected vitamins are not reviewed by the FDA for safety, efficacy, or quality. Compounded medications are only indicated for patients when a prescribing practitioner determines that the compounded preparation produces a significant difference for their patient compared to the FDA-approved product. This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.