Wegovy can lead to serious weight loss. After using it for over a year, you might lose up to 15% of your starting weight.
But it’s not meant to be taken forever. So, what happens when you stop weight loss injections?
You may regain some weight when you come off Wegovy. Though if you stick to your healthy lifestyle habits, it’s possible to maintain your progress. Here’s what you need to know.
Reasons people decide to stop taking Wegovy
There are plenty of reasons why you might choose to come off Wegovy.
You’ve achieved your weight loss goals
The NHS recommends taking Wegovy for two years max. And if you hit the goals you wanted to during that time, you might decide to stop.
You’re getting side effects
While mostly, Wegovy side effects are mild and clear on their own, they can sometimes be troublesome.
Side effects support at Voy
"If you're using Voy and you experience any side effects, rest assured that our expert clinicians are just a message or phone call away. They can adjust your dose, prescribe medication to ease your symptoms, or simply offer reassurance.
Everyone responds differently to weight loss treatment and we'll help you find what feels right for you."
For financial reasons
It can be difficult to get Wegovy on the NHS, and the cost of a private monthly prescription might start to add up.
Your personal preferences
Or you may simply decide that the medicine isn’t for you. It happens: you might not like how it makes you feel or want to try another weight loss treatment. And that’s perfectly okay!
Potential effects of stopping Wegovy
Here’s what might happen when you come off Wegovy:
Your appetite might increase
Wegovy works by making you feel full and when you stop taking it, your appetite may come back.
Weight regain
Studies have shown that this can happen. In one clinical trial, people lost 17.3% of their starting weight on semaglutide but regained 11.6% a year after stopping. Head’s up: those numbers are averages, so some people regained more and some less. There’s no telling how much, or whether, you’ll regain weight after stopping Wegovy.
Heart health
Regaining some of the weight you’ve lost can also increase your risk of heart disease.
How long should you take Wegovy for?
Because GLP-1 medications like Wegovy are relatively new, there could be conflicting information on this. At the moment, the NHS recommends a maximum of 2 years, but in clinical research, the medication has been used safely for up to 4 years.
But for best results, you should take Wegovy for at least a year, alongside a nutritious diet and regular exercise.
How to manage weight after stopping Wegovy
The good news is that it’s possible to keep weight off after Wegovy. Here, it’s super important that you stick to your healthy lifestyle habits.
Don’t ditch your healthy diet
Remember to choose balanced foods that keep you full for longer, such as:
- High-fibre foods (such as pulses, beans, wholegrain carbohydrates)
- Fruit and vegetables
- Lean proteins
- Healthy fats
Stay active
Regular exercise is super important in keeping you fit and healthy. For instance, building muscle can increase your body’s energy needs, so you burn more calories. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity movement and at least two strength sessions per week.
Know your hunger cues
If you can understand the difference between a craving (when you want to eat) and genuine hunger (when you need to eat), it can help you stick to your routine and build a healthier relationship with food.
Manage sleep and stress
Poor sleep and stress can both influence your appetite by making you crave comfort foods—which could hamper your weight loss progress.
Consider a long-term plan
You don’t have to go on this journey alone. With professional support, for example by working with a nutritionist, you can build long-term habits that will help keep the weight off.
Your weight loss journey
Thinking of taking the leap and trying Wegovy weight loss injections or another treatment like Mounjaro? We’re here for you—and we’re so excited for you to reach your goals.
Through our weight loss programme, you’ll get weight loss medication posted to you each month, plus personalised support and guidance from our coaches and clinicians.
Take our quiz to find out if you’re eligible.
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