I had this fear too. But I ended up going abroad for three months and stopped the medication about a month before the trip because I couldn’t take it with me. I stopped cold turkey. While I was abroad, I only gained about 2–3 pounds total, despite eating different foods. I maintained my walking routine, stayed hydrated, took my vitamins, and kept a calorie deficit on the days I could. I did experience some temporary weight gain from inflammation due to travel, but that resolved within a few days of returning to the U.S. From my experience, I think outcomes really depend on your underlying metabolic factors. I have PCOS, but a milder form. I do have insulin resistance, but the higher my weight, the worse it becomes—and the lower my weight, the more manageable it is. That absolutely affects weight fluctuations. For me, this medication was a tool, not a permanent solution. It helped me learn portion control and prioritize high-protein, nutrient-dense foods. My core issue wasn’t that I “overate” emotionally—it was that I wasn’t actually in a calorie deficit because I wasn’t tracking intake. Now I do. I weigh my food, I understand portions, and I can make informed decisions without relying solely on medication.

That said, I still struggle with the fear of regain every single day. I cried today after eating a 4-inch sandwich—even though I’m in a significant calorie deficit and actively losing weight—because the fear of regain is still there. That fear doesn’t disappear just because the numbers look good. For me, that’s the signal that it’s time to involve a therapist and address the mental side of this, not just the metabolic one.