How to Stop Taking a GLP-1

Ask Theresa is an advice column by Theresa Link. A Virta Health Coach since 2015 and a loyal follower of the ketogenic lifestyle, Theresa is a Registered Dietitian who is an expert in living a metabolically-healthy life. 

This week, Theresa features one of our own Virta members, Tory, who opens up about her experience transitioning off a GLP-1. After struggling with side effects like nausea and vision changes, she was ready for a different path. Tory shares the practical steps she took, the support that guided her, and the freedom she’s found—losing 30 pounds and gaining the confidence to sustain it..

❓Question:

I’ve been on Ozempic for about 8 months now and honestly, it’s gone really well—my blood sugar is down, I’ve lost weight, and for the first time in a while, I feel in control. But I’m starting to wonder… is it time to stop? I really don’t want to be on this med forever, but I’m nervous about what might happen if I go off. How do I know if I’m ready? 

—Cautiously Curious in Colorado

👩‍💻 Theresa:

Thinking about stopping your GLP-1—like Ozempic, Mounjaro, or Wegovy? The idea might come with a swirl of emotions: excitement, nerves, maybe even a little “what if?” panic. Whether the med’s been a game-changer or a rocky ride, deciding to taper off is a big step.

To help unpack that, I caught up with Tory Patrick—a Virta member who’s had diabetes for nearly two decades and has pretty much seen it all. She tried just about every med in the book, but in just six months after starting Virta, Tory got her blood sugar consistently under 100, lost 30 pounds, and—best of all—felt like she was finally in the driver’s seat. This gave her the confidence to drop her GLP-1.

Why Tory Decided to Leave Her GLP-1 Behind 

For Tory, the goal was always to take as few meds as possible. And GLP-1s? They came with a hefty price tag and some rough side effects: nausea, vomiting, headaches, and even vision issues that sent her to urgent care.

Once she confirmed those symptoms were tied to the med, she talked with her PCP and - with the support of her Virta care team -  made the call to stop. That was about three weeks ago. She’s felt a little hungrier now that her appetite’s back—but also proud. She hit a huge milestone. And now she can enjoy a meal without wondering if she’ll immediately feel sick.

She credits her Virta coach and care team for helping her through it—lots of check-ins, adjustments, and reassurance along the way.

“Weren’t you scared to start it? Why would you be scared to quit it?”

That’s a relevant question from Tory herself. And honestly? She’s right. Starting a GLP-1 in the first place can feel scary—side effects, injections, the unknown. But if you’re ready to drop the shots for good, it’s time to build up solid habits with tracking, focusing on Virta-friendly meals, and having a care team backing you up. You might just be more ready than you think!
Tory’s Tips for Tapering Off a GLP-1

• Loop in your care team. Don’t wing it. Talk to your Virta provider and coach first.
  
  
• Double down on your nutrition. You might feel a bit hungrier - totally normal. Focus on building meals around protein, healthy fats, and non-starchy veggies… which will help big-time.
  
  
• Track your stuff. Blood sugar, weight, energy, ketones—whatever helps you learn what’s working and what’s not.
  
  
• Give yourself some grace. This isn’t a test. It’s a process—and you’re allowed to adjust as you go.
  

Final Thoughts

There’s no perfect timeline or one-size-fits-all plan for stopping a GLP-1. But if you’re starting to feel ready, there is a way forward. Tory’s story is proof that stepping off meds doesn’t mean losing progress—it means continuing to move toward your goals while moving into a new chapter with more confidence and control than before!

In her words: “Doing something scary means you’re about to do something brave.”

You’ve got this! And your Virta team’s got you.

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