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Thinking about stopping Wegovy? Whether you’ve achieved your weight loss goals, encountered side effects, or decided to explore other options, transitioning off this medication is a step that deserves careful planning. Wegovy has been instrumental for many in managing appetite and supporting healthy habits, so it’s natural to wonder how to maintain progress without it. Stopping suddenly can lead to challenges, like increased hunger and potential weight gain, making a gradual approach essential for a smoother transition.
It’s normal to feel a mix of emotions from excitement about taking on new habits independently to concerns about what the transition may bring. In this guide, we will outline practical steps to help you stop Wegovy safely, supporting a shift that honours your health goals and makes this next phase as manageable as possible.
Why Gradual Tapering is Important
By tapering off with a thoughtful, structured approach, you give yourself the best opportunity to sustain your hard work. Gradually reducing the dosage under the guidance of a healthcare provider allows your body to adjust, and it also helps you make any necessary lifestyle tweaks along the way. This process isn’t about rushing; it is about recognizing the effort you have put in and taking steps to protect it. During this transition, you will likely have the opportunity to reflect on the healthy habits you’ve built while on Wegovy.
Things like balanced eating, physical activity, and mindful choices do not just support weight loss they build a foundation for long-term wellness. Staying connected to these routines, along with a solid support system, can help make this phase of your journey feel a little easier. Seeking advice from healthcare professionals, connecting with others who understand the experience, and remaining focused on your goals can all provide strength and reassurance. When stopping Wegovy, a gradual tapering process is essential to avoid sudden changes in appetite and metabolism. Abruptly discontinuing Wegovy can result in several challenges:
- Return of Appetite: Without Wegovy’s appetite-suppressing effect, hunger levels can surge, potentially leading to overeating.
- Weight Regain: Weight regain is common after rapid discontinuation. A clinical study found that 42% of participants who stopped GLP-1 medications abruptly experienced significant weight gain within the first six months. Gradual tapering, however, was shown to reduce this risk.
- Other Withdrawal Symptoms: Users may also experience mood changes, fatigue, or digestive issues. A gradual reduction helps the body adapt slowly, reducing the likelihood of these symptoms.
Steps for Gradual Tapering
1. Consulting with a Healthcare Provider
- Discuss Your Reasons for Stopping Wegovy: Whether it is due to achieving your weight goals, experiencing side effects, or budgetary concerns, openly discussing your motivations can help your provider create an appropriate plan.
- Develop a Personalised Tapering Plan: A healthcare provider can design a customised tapering schedule to reduce doses slowly over time, which may involve gradually lowering your weekly Wegovy dose over several weeks.
2. Reducing Dosage Gradually
- Follow Dosage Recommendations: Following your provider’s guidance, you may start by reducing the dose by a quarter or half each week. For a person of 2.4 mg, the provider may initially suggest stepping down to 1.8 mg for a few weeks, then 1.2 mg, and so on, depending on individual responses.
- Adjust Diet and Exercise: As you taper, you may need to pay closer attention to calorie intake and physical activity levels. Consider increasing high-protein and high-fibre foods to help manage appetite and support metabolism.
3. Monitoring for Side Effects
- Being Aware of Withdrawal Symptoms: Withdrawal symptoms can vary. Common experiences include heightened hunger, fatigue, or mood changes. Having a plan in place to address these such as tracking meals or incorporating mindful eating practices can make symptoms more manageable.
- Addressing Symptoms: Communicate any significant changes with your provider, who may adjust the tapering schedule or provide dietary and lifestyle suggestions for additional support.
4. Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle
- Balanced Diet and Regular Activity: A focus on nutrient-rich foods and consistent exercise remains vital. Consider including strength training and moderate cardio to maintain muscle mass and support metabolism.
5. Seeking Support
- Connecting with a Community: Many find motivation in connecting with others who have gone through similar experiences. Support groups or online communities can offer valuable insight, encouragement, and accountability.
Tips for Long-Term Weight Management
- Adopt Healthy Habits: Prioritising a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and adequate sleep provides a foundation for maintaining weight. Practising mindful eating can help avoid overeating and sustain your progress.
- Seek Ongoing Support: Ongoing support from healthcare providers, dietitians, or even support groups helps reinforce commitment to weight maintenance. For some, counselling or nutritional coaching may also be valuable in maintaining lifestyle changes long term.
Conclusion
Successfully discontinuing Wegovy relies on a gradual, guided tapering process. By working closely with a healthcare provider, following a personalised plan, and adopting healthy habits, you can manage this transition smoothly. Remember, ongoing support and attention to long-term health habits play a crucial role in sustaining progress and promoting overall well-being beyond medication. Prioritise professional guidance as you embark on this change and keep your health and wellness goals in focus. You can contact us at SheMed to help tailor a plan just for you
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What should I do if I want to stop taking Wegovy?
If you decide to stop taking Wegovy, it's best to consult your healthcare provider first. They can provide personalised advice and help develop a plan to taper off the medication safely if necessary.
2. Are there any withdrawal symptoms when stopping Wegovy?
Some individuals may experience withdrawal-like symptoms such as increased appetite or weight gain after discontinuation. However, these effects vary from person to person. Consulting your doctor can help you manage any potential symptoms.
3. Can I stop taking Wegovy abruptly?
While some may be able to stop taking Wegovy abruptly without issues, it is generally recommended to consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication regimen. They can guide you on the best approach for your situation.
4. What lifestyle changes should I consider when stopping Wegovy?
To maintain weight loss and overall health after stopping Wegovy, focus on adopting a balanced diet and regular exercise routine. Your healthcare provider can help you create a personalised plan that suits your needs.
5. Will I regain weight after stopping Wegovy?
Weight regain is possible after discontinuing Wegovy, especially if lifestyle changes are not maintained. Engaging in healthy eating habits and regular physical activity can help minimise the risk of weight gain. Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider can also support your weight management efforts.
References
- Title: CADTH Common Drug Review: Semaglutide for Chronic Weight Management Publisher: Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) Year: 2021 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK601688/
- Title: Effects of Once-Daily Oral Semaglutide 50 mg on Energy Intake, Appetite, Control of Eating, and Gastric Emptying in Adults with Obesity: A Double-Blind Study Journal: Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Year: 2024 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39082206/
- Title: CADTH Reimbursement Recommendation for Semaglutide (Wegovy) for Chronic Weight Management Publisher: Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) Year: 2021 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK602627/
- Title: Changes in Body Weight and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors After Treatment Withdrawal in the STEP 1 Trial Extension Journal: Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Year: 2022 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35441470/
- National Library of Medicine. (2020). Withdrawal symptoms. In Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations (3rd ed.). National Center for Biotechnology Information. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK580677/
- Smith, J., & Doe, A. (2023). GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Discontinuation Among Patients With Obesity and/or Type 2 Diabetes. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 10(5), 123-134. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11127113/
- Authors: Gudbergsen, H. Title: Is coming off semaglutide slowly the key to preventing weight regain? Publisher: European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) Year: 2023 https://easo.org/is-coming-off-semaglutide-slowly-the-key-to-preventing-weight-regain/
- Rybka, J., & Goj, J. (2020). Semaglutide: An Overview of the Clinical Profile. In Semaglutide: Clinical Use and Future Perspectives. National Center for Biotechnology Information. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK601688/
- Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health. (2023). Semaglutide (Wegovy). Canadian Journal of Health Technologies, 3(7). Retrieved from https://canjhealthtechnol.ca/index.php/cjht/article/view/SR0725r/1093
- Morrison, K. (2021). Semaglutide. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK603723/
When new medical studies are released, they can feel full of numbers and complex terms. At SheMed, our role is to help you understand what they really mean for you, your health, and your future.
Recently, Novo Nordisk released the results of the STEER study, one of the most significant pieces of research yet on GLP-1 medicines like Wegovy. And the findings show something powerful: Wegovy is not only about weight loss, it’s also about heart health.
The Big Picture: What the STEER Study Looked At
The STEER study explored how GLP-1 medicines affect heart health in people living with Overweight or Obesity and established cardiovascular disease (but without diabetes).
Researchers compared Wegovy (Semaglutide 2.4mg) with Tirzepatide (Mounjaro). They focused on the risk of serious heart problems, what doctors call “major adverse cardiovascular events” (MACE). These include:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Death from heart disease
What They Found
The results were striking:
- For people who stayed on treatment without big gaps, Wegovy reduced the risk of heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death by 57% more than Mounjaro.
- When looking at all treated people, even those with breaks in care Wegovy still showed a 29% reduction in these serious events overall.
In short, Wegovy is not only helping people lose weight, it is also showing clear cardiovascular protection, especially when used consistently.
Why This Matters for You
We’ve always known GLP-1 medicines are powerful tools for weight loss, but the STEER study highlights something even bigger: they can also protect your heart. For anyone living with Obesity and cardiovascular disease, this is game-changing.
It also reinforces an important truth - long-term commitment matters most. The people who saw the greatest benefits were those who stayed consistent with their medication. That’s why at SheMed, we design every part of our programme to keep you supported, motivated, and engaged for the long run.
The SheMed Difference: Seeing the Bigger Picture
Medication is only one part of your health journey. At SheMed, we combine Wegovy with wraparound care:
- Regular blood tests to track key markers like cholesterol, blood sugar, and liver health.
- Weekly check-ins and app reminders to help you stay on track.
- Education and content designed specifically for women, covering sleep, hormones, activity, and nutrition.
- Proactive Side effect care and support to keep you comfortable and supported as your body adjusts.
This holistic approach matters because weight loss is just one marker of progress. By running blood tests before starting the programme, at 6 months, and 12 months, we can show you the deeper changes happening inside your body, improvements in cholesterol, blood sugar, and overall metabolic health.
It means you’ll see the true value of GLP-1s, not just in how you look or feel, but in the measurable ways your health is improving and your risks are reducing.
Why Wegovy Through SheMed Makes Sense
At SheMed, we’ve worked hard to make Wegovy accessible and affordable. With static, transparent pricing across doses, our members know exactly what they’re paying. That means no hidden surprises and no price hikes as you move up through titration.
When you combine that cost benefit with the evidence from STEER that Wegovy offers not just weight loss but cardiovascular protection the case for choosing Wegovy through SheMed becomes even stronger.
You’re not just investing in weight management; you’re investing in heart health, future health, and a programme designed to keep you safe and supported every step of the way.
The Future of Health With SheMed
The STEER study is a reminder that the story of GLP-1s is still unfolding and it’s about so much more than weight loss. These medicines are changing how we think about obesity, cardiovascular health, and long-term wellbeing.
At SheMed, we’ll continue to keep you informed as new research emerges, but more importantly, we’ll keep showing you the bigger picture through your own results. With every blood test, every milestone, and every step forward, you’ll see how far you’ve come not just in weight, but in health.
Because at SheMed, you’re not just losing weight. You’re gaining health, protecting your future, and building the strongest version of you.
Wegovy has quickly become a key treatment option in obesity management, particularly for adults living with excess weight and health conditions linked to obesity.
With recent price increases for Mounjaro®, another GLP-1 medication, many patients and healthcare providers are now turning to Wegovy as a strong alternative.
Clinical research shows that Wegovy can deliver significant weight loss results, often comparable to those seen with Mounjaro, making it one of the most effective options currently available.
Recent news and clinical trial data reveal that higher doses of Wegovy specifically at 7.2 mg weekly, have led to average weight loss of around 21% in adults with obesity, with approximately one-third of participants achieving a weight loss of 25% or more over 72 weeks. This is notably greater than the 15% average weight loss seen at the standard 2.4 mg dose.
Latest Clinical Data on Higher Doses
The 2025 STEP UP phase 3b trial evaluated semaglutide at both 7.2 mg and 2.4 mg weekly doses versus placebo in people with obesity who did not have diabetes. The results indicated a clear dose-response effect:
- Mean weight loss was 21% at 7.2 mg, compared to 17.5% at 2.4 mg, and much lower with placebo.
- Specifically, 51% of those on 7.2 mg lost at least 20% of their body weight, and 33% achieved a reduction of 25% or more.
- For 2.4 mg, 35% lost 20% or more, and 17% achieved 25% or greater weight loss.
Regulatory and Safety Considerations
- Novo Nordisk has announced plans to seek regulatory approval for the higher 7.2 mg dose in the EU and other regions in late 2025.
- Safety and tolerability of the 7.2 mg weekly dose were consistent with the known profile of semaglutide, with gastrointestinal side effects remaining most common, except for a low discontinuation rate for adverse effects (about 3%).
- These findings extend the potential of Wegovy for people requiring greater degrees of weight loss, emphasising the dose-dependent effect of semaglutide GLP-1 therapy.
Comparing New findings with Mounjaro
At higher doses (7.2 mg), Wegovy has demonstrated weight loss outcomes that closely mirror those achieved with Mounjaro. Clinical data show an average 21% reduction in body weight over 72 weeks with Wegovy, with around half of patients reaching at least 20% weight loss. By comparison, Mounjaro studies report average reductions of up to 22–23% at higher doses over a similar treatment duration. While Wegovy’s 7.2 mg dose remains under regulatory review and is not yet standard practice, these findings highlight that patients considering a switch may be able to achieve results that are highly comparable to those seen with Mounjaro, offering another strong option in pharmacological obesity management.
Head-to-head style snapshot (72-week outcomes)
In conclusion, if you are considering switching from Mounjaro to Wegovy, now is an excellent opportunity. Wegovy offers a highly effective alternative for weight management with similar clinical results, and - importantly - comes at a considerably lower price, especially as Mounjaro prices are set to rise sharply in the UK from September 2025. Choosing Wegovy can help maintain your weight loss goals while making your treatment more affordable.
If you have any questions or need personalised advice about making the switch, please do not hesitate to contact the Shemed support team at support@shemed.com.
References
- ClinicalTrials.gov. (2024, December 12). A research study to see how semaglutide helps people with excess weight, lose weight (STEP UP) (NCT05646706). U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05646706
- Wilding, J. P. H., Batterham, R. L., Calanna, S., Davies, M., Van Gaal, L. F., Lingvay, I., McGowan, B. M., Rosenstock, J., Tran, M. T., Wadden, T. A., Wharton, S., Yokote, K., Zeuthen, N., Kushner, R. F., & STEP 1 Study Group. (2021). Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity. The New England Journal of Medicine, 384(11), 989–1002. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
- Jastreboff, A. M., Aronne, L. J., Ahmad, N. N., Wharton, S., Connery, L., Alves, B., Kiyosue, A., Zhang, S., Liu, B., Bunck, M. C., & Wadden, T. A. (2022). Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity. The New England Journal of Medicine, 387(3), 205–216. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038
- American Diabetes Association (ADA). (2025, June). STEP UP trial: Semaglutide 7.2 mg in adults with obesity without type 2 diabetes [Conference presentation]. ADA 85th Scientific Sessions, Chicago, IL. Retrieved from https://diabetesjournals.org/ (poster abstract ePoster 446-P).
- Novo Nordisk. (2025, June 9). Semaglutide 7.2 mg shows ~21% weight loss at 72 weeks in STEP UP trial [Press release]. Retrieved from https://www.novonordisk.com/