In this Article:
01: Why people stop Wegovy02: What happens when you stop taking Wegovy?03: Why weight gain can happen after stopping Wegovy04: Is it safe to stop Wegovy suddenly?05: Can you restart Wegovy after stopping?06: Alternative weight loss treatments to Wegovy07: FAQsWhy people stop Wegovy
People stop using Wegovy for many different reasons. These can include:
Recommendation from a clinician
Reaching their weight-loss goals
Cost
Wanting to switch weight loss treatments
Experiencing side effects
What happens when you stop taking Wegovy?
When you stop taking Wegovy, several changes can occur as the effect of semaglutide gradually wears off and your appetite may return towards previous levels:
Reduced fullness after eating
Increase in ‘food noise’
Some weight regain
Changes in blood sugar levels, particularly if you have diabetes or blood sugar concerns
Speak to your prescriber before stopping if you have diabetes, pre-diabetes or concerns about blood sugar control.
How long does Wegovy stay in your system?
Wegovy contains semaglutide, which can stay in the system for approximately 7 weeks (if on the 2.4 mg dose).
Due to this, the effects don’t stop immediately and your appetite can return gradually.
Can side effects continue after stopping treatment?
During the period that you stop taking Wegovy, you may still find yourself experiencing some of the side effects from the treatment, though these will begin to wear off as it leaves your system. You should also expect your appetite to return gradually.
Why weight gain can happen after stopping Wegovy
If you stop Wegovy, you may regain some of the weight you lost, although this varies from person to person.
As semaglutide gradually leaves your body, its effects on appetite and feelings of fullness reduce. You may notice that you feel hungrier or less full after eating than you did while taking the treatment. For some, this can make it harder to maintain the eating habits that supported their weight loss.
Supporting weight management after stopping Wegovy
You can support your long-term progress by focusing on changes to your habits and lifestyle:
Building and maintaining a low-calorie diet rich in fibre, lean protein, and whole grains
Exercising portion control and mindful eating
Continuing the increased physical activity you should have started during your weight-loss journey
Understanding why you might overeat (i.e. stress or emotional eating) and working on reducing these triggers
Is it safe to stop Wegovy suddenly?
You should not stop Wegovy without speaking to your prescriber. They can advise whether stopping is suitable for you and whether any changes should be made gradually. This is particularly important if you have side effects, diabetes or blood sugar concerns, are planning pregnancy, or are taking other medicines.
Can you restart Wegovy after stopping?
You may be able to restart Wegovy after stopping, but this depends on your health, how long you have been off treatment, your previous dose and whether Wegovy is still suitable for you.
Restarting should always be discussed with a clinician, who may advise restarting at a lower dose to reduce the risk of side effects.
Alternative weight loss treatments to Wegovy
If Wegovy is no longer suitable for you, or you would like to review your weight management plan, speak to a healthcare professional. They can discuss lifestyle support and, where appropriate, other treatment options.
The right option will depend on your health, current medicines, previous side effects and treatment goals.
FAQs
Will I gain weight if I stop Wegovy?
You may regain weight if you stop Wegovy. A clinical trial for semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy) showed participants regaining two-thirds of their prior weight loss.
You aren’t guaranteed to put this weight back on, however. Maintaining the healthy lifestyle habits you developed during your weight loss journey can help to slow or stop the weight you have lost returning.
What happens if I stop Wegovy for a week?
If you miss a dose of Wegovy, follow the instructions in the patient information leaflet or speak to your prescriber if you are unsure.
For Wegovy injections, if it has been 5 days or less since your missed dose, take it as soon as you remember and then take your next dose as usual on your scheduled day.
If it has been more than 5 days, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as usual. Do not take a double dose.
If you have stopped for longer than a single missed dose, or you are unsure whether to restart, speak to your prescriber before taking another dose.
Do you have to take Wegovy forever to maintain weight loss?
Not everyone will need to stay on Wegovy long term, but this depends on your individual health, treatment goals and clinical advice. If you are thinking about stopping, speak to your prescriber so they can help you plan the next step and discuss how to maintain your progress.
How can I maintain my weight loss after stopping treatment?
If you have stopped weight loss treatment, the following lifestyle habits may help to support your long-term weight mangement:
Keeping your healthy lifestyle changes consistent
Setting realistic goals for the future - i.e. cutting down on sugar or completing a 30 minute walk a day
Getting support from friends, family or support groups / counselling.
Is it safe to come off Wegovy?
Don’t stop taking Wegovy without talking to your doctor. They can help to decide whether stopping treatment is suitable or safe for you.
References
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35441470/
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