¹Greer, Stephanie M, et al. “The Impact of Sleep Deprivation on Food Desire in the Human Brain.” Nature Communications, vol. 4, 2013:2259 https://www.nature.com/articles/ncomms3259.
Wegovy can lead to meaningful weight loss—with new research showing people lose 20.7% of their starting weight on average after 72 weeks on a higher 7.2mg dose.
Some people choose to stop treatment once they’ve reached their goal. Others may stay on a lower maintenance dose to help keep the weight off.
It’s normal for some weight to return after stopping, but maintaining healthy habits can go a long way in helping you sustain your progress.
Here’s what to expect when you come off Wegovy.
Discover Wegovy
Struggling to reach your target weight? You’re not alone. Find out about how medications like Wegovy can boost your efforts and get you closer to your health goals.
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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
If you’ve reached the goals you set out to achieve, you might decide it’s the right time to stop taking Wegovy. You might choose to finish treatment at this point, or continue on a lower maintenance dose to help keep the weight off.
What’s right for you will depend on your progress, lifestyle, and preferences. But we’re here to support you, whatever you decide.
You’re getting side effects
Most side effects from Wegovy are mild and tend to settle over time. But if they’re becoming difficult to manage, you might be thinking about stopping. If that’s the case, it’s best to speak to your prescriber—they can help review your symptoms and guide you through your options, including how and when to safely transition.
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
We understand that staying on Wegovy long term can be a financial commitment, and at times, you might be considering a break for cost-related reasons. If that’s the case, it’s a good idea to speak with a prescriber first. They can help you explore options like reducing your dose, switching to a different medication, or planning a safe pause in treatment—while still supporting your long-term goals.
You'd prefer a Wegovy pill to injections
Some people find weekly injections convenient, while others would rather take a daily tablet. If you're uncomfortable with injections or find them difficult to fit into your routine, this may be one reason you're considering stopping Wegovy.
A Wegovy pill containing the same active ingredient, semaglutide, is now available in the US. The tablet is taken once daily and has been shown to produce similar weight loss to injectable Wegovy in clinical trials.
The Wegovy pill is not currently approved or available in the UK. If you're thinking about stopping treatment because you dislike injections, speak to your prescriber first. They can discuss alternative weight-loss medications and help you find an option that suits your lifestyle and preferences.
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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
Some weight regain after stopping Wegovy is normal—this has been seen in clinical trials. In one study, people lost an average of 17.3% of their starting weight while on semaglutide (Wegovy’s active ingredient) and regained around 11.6% a year after stopping. Of course, these are averages, and everyone’s experience is different — some regained more, others less, and some maintained their weight.
At Voy, we’re here to help you maintain your progress long term. You can work with our team to build sustainable lifestyle habits, and speak with our clinicians about maintenance options, including staying on a lower dose if that’s right for you.
Heart health
Maintaining a healthy weight can support your heart health over the long term. While some weight regain is expected after stopping treatment, staying active and making healthy food choices can help reduce the risk of heart-related issues. If you’re unsure about what’s right for you, our prescribers are here to guide you.
How long should you take Wegovy for?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how long you should take Wegovy for. While GLP-1 medications like Wegovy are still relatively new, studies have shown they can be used safely for several years. For most people, taking Wegovy for at least a year alongside healthy lifestyle changes gives the best results.
How long you remain on Wegovy depends on your results, your starting weight, your goal weight, and other factors like how well you’re tolerating the medication.
Some people choose to stop once they’ve reached their goals, while others continue on a lower maintenance dose to help sustain their progress. Your clinician can help guide the best approach based on your needs.
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, you can build long-term habits that help keep the weight off. Some people also choose to stay on a lower maintenance dose of medication to support their progress. Whatever your path, we're here to help you find what works best for you.
Check your BMI today
Not sure where you stand? Calculate your BMI and find out what it means for you.
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.
With our weight loss treatment, you’ll get weight loss medication posted to you each month and guidance from our prescribers.
Take our quiz to find out if you’re eligible.
