The GLP-1 Exit Strategy: Preventing Regain When You Stop Medication

Send a Text Message. Please include your name and email so we can answer you! Please note, this does not subscribe you to our email list, it's just to answer if you have a questions for us. Thinking about stopping your GLP-1 medication and wondering what that means for your progress? Whether it’s affordability, pregnancy planning, or personal choice, stepping away from a medication that’s helped you feel in control can bring up a lot of anxiety. What if the cravings come back stronger than ever? What if all your hard-earned progress starts to slip? In this episode, I answer a heartfelt listener question about coming off a GLP-1. We unpack what to expect physically and emotionally, how to taper without shocking your system, and why added support—nutritional, medical, and emotional—is non-negotiable during this phase. Tune in to learn how to step down strategically (rather than go cold turkey), what nutrition shifts can help ease the transition, and how to manage that all-too-familiar surge of insatiable hunger. You’ll walk away with three core strategies to minimize rebound effects, tools to reshape your food and movement routines, and a grounded approach to protecting your progress. Audio Stamps 00:30 - Dr. Rentea addresses a listener question about discontinuing GLP-1 medication and explores various reasons people might want to stop. 01:40 - The importance of gradual dose reduction to prevent sudden, intense hunger increases. 02:45 - Reintroducing volume-based eating techniques when food no longer stays in your stomach as long. 03:27 - The physiological changes that occur when stopping GLP-1s and why lifestyle factors become even more crucial. 05:46 - Overview of alternative medication options like generic Contrave that can help bridge the transition, though they're less effective than GLP-1s. 07:05 - Dr. Rentea shares the common pattern of patients who stop medication abruptly returning months later after regaining weight. 08:48 - Despite our desire to be the exception, most people struggle to maintain weight loss long-term without adequate support. All of the information on this podcast is for general informational purposes only. Please talk to your physician and medical team about what is right for you. No medical advice is being on this podcast. If you live in Indiana or Illinois and want to work with doctor Matthea Rentea, you can find out more on www.RenteaClinic.com Not Sure Where to Start With the Podcast? I’ve Got You. Get my free Podcast Roadmap —a simple guide to help you find the episodes that matter most to your journey. Whether you're on GLP-1s, navigating plateaus, or just starting out, there's something here for you. Support the show