Reaching your goal weight while using Mounjaro (tirzepatide) or Wegovy (semaglutide) is a major milestone. For many people, the next big question is:
What should I do after I reach my target weight on weight loss injections?
There isn’t one single answer. The right next step depends on your body, your appetite, and how your weight responds over time. Some people reduce their dose, some stay on a maintenance dose, and others stop treatment gradually.
What matters most is choosing an approach that helps you maintain your weight long term.
Should You Stop Mounjaro or Wegovy Suddenly?
In most cases, stopping Mounjaro or Wegovy abruptly is not recommended.
These medications work by affecting hormones that regulate appetite, fullness, and blood sugar. When treatment is stopped suddenly, appetite can return quickly, increasing the risk of weight regain for some people.
A more gradual approach allows your body time to adjust and gives you the opportunity to spot early changes and respond.
Options After Reaching Goal Weight on Mounjaro or Wegovy
1. Gradually Reducing Your Dose (tapering)
Many people choose to step down their dose slowly after reaching their goal weight.
Benefits of gradual dose reduction include:
- Helping maintain weight loss
- Reducing the chance of rapid appetite return
- Identifying the lowest dose that still works
If weight starts to increase during tapering, it’s often possible to increase the dose again to find an effective maintenance level.
2. Staying on a Maintenance Dose
Some people find that staying on a lower maintenance dose of Mounjaro or Wegovy works best for them.
A maintenance dose may:
- Help keep appetite stable
- Reduce cravings
- Support long-term weight maintenance
Maintenance dosing is individual. The right dose varies from person to person, and it is often lower than the dose used during active weight loss.
You can read more about long-term approaches and dose adjustments in our guides: Mounjaro and weight loss maintenance and Wegovy and weight loss maintenance.
3. Stopping Treatment Gradually
Others decide to stop weight loss injections altogether, particularly if they feel confident with lifestyle changes they’ve made.
If stopping is your goal, tapering slowly rather than stopping suddenly can help:
- Reduce rebound hunger
- Allow early intervention if weight starts to increase
- Make the transition more manageable
Stopping medication does not mean failure, it is simply one of several valid long-term options.
How to Monitor Weight During Dose Changes or Stopping
During any dose reduction or treatment pause, regular weight monitoring is important.
A consistent approach works best:
- Weigh yourself early in the morning
- After using the toilet
- Before eating or drinking
This helps identify early trends, not daily fluctuations. If weight begins to rise, adjustments can be made sooner, including returning to a higher dose if that proves to be your effective maintenance level.
Is Weight Regain After Mounjaro or Wegovy Common?
Some people experience weight regain after stopping GLP-1 medications, while others do not. Research and real-world experience show that responses vary significantly between individuals.
Factors include:
- Genetics
- Hormonal responses
- Lifestyle and environment
- Duration of treatment
This is why a personalised approach is key.
Key Takeaway: There Is No One-Size-Fits-All Approach
After reaching your goal weight on Mounjaro or Wegovy:
- Some people maintain weight without medication
- Some need a low ongoing dose
- Some stop and later restart at a maintenance level
All of these outcomes are normal.
Weight maintenance is not about willpower, it’s about finding what works for your body and adjusting as needed.
If you’d like personalised advice on maintenance dosing, tapering, or next steps, contact us and our clinical team will be happy to help.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I stay on Mounjaro or Wegovy long term?
Yes. Some people stay on a lower maintenance dose long term if it helps them maintain their weight safely and sustainably.
What is the best way to stop Wegovy or Mounjaro?
A gradual dose reduction is generally preferred over stopping suddenly, as it may reduce the risk of weight regain.
What if I regain weight after reducing my dose?
Early weight monitoring allows you to increase the dose again if needed. Many people find their effective maintenance dose through trial and adjustment.
Reaching your goal weight is a success and maintaining it is a continuation of that success, not a new challenge to “pass or fail”.
With gradual changes, regular monitoring, and flexibility, it’s possible to protect the progress you’ve made in a way that works for you.
Because when it comes to weight maintenance after Mounjaro or Wegovy, it really is different for everyone.
