GLP-1 taper / discontinuation planner
Stopping a GLP-1 abruptly can drive weight regain and rebound appetite. This planner maps a gradual step-down schedule and explains the maintenance considerations to discuss with your clinician.
Your current GLP-1 + weight
Your taper schedule
Total taper duration: ~76 weeks (~19 months)
Goal: gradually step down to maintenance dose (0.5-1 mg/week). Skip steps if you trip-wire regain.
Goal-weight stabilization
Hold current dose for 8-12 weeks after reaching goal weight. This consolidates results and lets metabolism adjust.
Step down to 1.7 mg
Monitor appetite return + weight weekly. If you gain >5% of body weight, hold this dose and re-evaluate.
Step down to 1 mg
Continue weekly monitoring. Hold dose if regain trip-wire hits.
Step down to 0.5 mg
Continue weekly monitoring. Hold dose if regain trip-wire hits.
Long-term maintenance
Most patients require indefinite low-dose maintenance to prevent regain. Re-evaluate annually with prescriber.
Regain trip-wire: 189 lbs
If your weight reaches 189 lbs (+5% of goal) during taper, hold the current dose and re-evaluate. Don\'t continue stepping down. Studies show patients who respond to early regain signals retain 80%+ of weight loss long-term.
Coordinate with your prescriber. This calculator is a framework — your specific taper depends on baseline weight, comorbidities, side-effect history, and insurance coverage. Most prescribers prefer slower tapers (6 weeks per step) for patients with significant GI side effects or anxiety about regain.
Estimates for educational purposes only — not medical advice, a quote, or a guarantee of coverage or price. Confirm costs with the pharmacy/manufacturer and clinical decisions with a licensed provider.