Q I'm scared of gaining weight back, so I'm thinking of just stopping the medication cold turkey. Is that okay to do?
A Stopping diet medication abruptly on your own is not recommended. Sudden discontinuation can make appetite rebound even larger, and especially if you are also on diabetes medication, it can cause problems with blood sugar control — so you must discuss your tapering plan with your prescribing physician.
Detailed Answer
If you stop the medication all at once out of anxiety, the appetite that was being suppressed can come rushing back at once, which can actually lead to binge eating and rapid weight regain. Also, if the GLP-1 medication is being used for blood sugar control as well, stopping it on your own can affect glucose management. So whether and how quickly to stop must be discussed with your prescribing doctor and tapered gradually to be safe. Korean medicine plays the role of cushioning the rebound during this gradual tapering process.
Our Korean Medicine Clinic's Perspective
Dongjedang's principle is not "stopping the medication for you" but "supporting your body so it can endure the process of tapering gradually." In line with the pace set by your prescribing physician, herbal medicine supports the returning appetite, dipping energy, and sleep issues, buying time for your body to recover its own regulating power. Safety always comes first.
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If I get treated with Korean medicine, can I maintain my current weight without medication? Please be honest.
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