Discontinuing semaglutide after weight loss: strategy for weight maintenance and a possible new side effect

Abstract

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) facilitate weight loss. Weight regain off therapy is concerning. We reported the case of a 35-year-old male prescribed oral semaglutide with 22.7 kg weight loss over 120 days. Herein, we describe the clinical course when discontinuing GLP-1 RA therapy, one approach to maintaining weight loss after discontinuation, and a possible new side effect. At day 120, we continued oral semaglutide 7 mg daily, down from 14 mg, for weight maintenance with subsequent weight regain. We re-increased semaglutide to 14 mg/day with weight re-loss within 1 month and weight maintance for a year. We then discontinued semaglutide; weight loss was maintained for 6 months. The patient reported lactose intolerance ∼13 months before starting semaglutide. During semaglutide therapy, the patient reported worsened lactose intolerance and new gluten intolerance. Food allergy/celiac testing were negative. Intolerances did not improve with semaglutide discontinuation. Six months after semaglutide discontinuation, the patient was diagnosed with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, possibly worsened by semaglutide. Factors potentially supporting weight maintenance were early drug treatment for new-onset obesity, non-geriatric age, strength training, and diet modification. The case highlights tailoring approaches to maintain weight loss without GLP-1 RAs. Trials are needed to optimize weight maintenance strategies.