Have you reached your weight loss goals and want to know how to stop taking Wegovy?
Whether you’re curious about how long Wegovy stays in your system or what effects to expect after stopping, this blog explains what you need to know.
How Does Wegovy Work in the Body?
Wegovy (Semaglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It works by mimicking a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) to:
- Reduce appetite
- Increase feelings of fullness
- Slow down stomach emptying, helping you feel satisfied for longer
By regulating appetite and cravings and improving blood glucose control, Wegovy can help make it easier for users to eat in a way that supports weight loss.
Do You Have to Take Wegovy Forever?
No, you don’t have to take Wegovy indefinitely. Some people continue the medication long-term, as it helps maintain weight loss and manage appetite over time. However, some patients may gradually reduce their dose or stop the medication depending on individual circumstances and in consultation with their Phlo Pharmacist.
Clinical research:
- The STEP 1 trial demonstrated that patients taking Wegovy for 68 weeks alongside healthy lifestyle changes achieved a mean weight loss of 14.9%.
- For long-term weight maintenance, the STEP 5 trial showed that continuing Wegovy in combination with lifestyle improvements for 104 weeks helped patients sustain weight loss, highlighting the benefits of ongoing use even after initial goals are reached.
When Might You Stop or Reduce Your Dose?
How long you take Wegovy depends on your weight loss goals and how your body responds to treatment. Decisions are individualised and supported by your Phlo Pharmacist.
Your Phlo Pharmacist may recommend:
- Maintaining a low dose long-term
- Gradually reducing your dose
- Stopping the medication completely
The key is that every patient is different, and any changes should be made under the guidance of your Phlo Pharmacist.
What Happens When You Stop Taking Wegovy?
When you stop Wegovy, the medication no longer moderates appetite and cravings, and your appetite may gradually return to pre-treatment levels. As a result, you may experience:
- Increased hunger
- Weight re-gain if lifestyle habits are not maintained
Continuing to eat balanced meals and maintain regular physical activity is essential to help manage appetite and support long-term weight maintenance.
Can I Stop Taking Wegovy Cold Turkey?
Stopping Wegovy abruptly (“cold turkey”) is not recommended, as it may increase the likelihood of experiencing intense hunger or cravings. Your Phlo Pharmacist can help you gradually reduce your dose or plan a safe transition off the medication to minimise these effects.
How Long Does Wegovy Stay in Your System?
Wegovy has a half-life of approximately 1 week, meaning its effectiveness decreases by 50% over seven days after a dose. Depending on your dosing schedule, it may take several weeks for the medication to fully leave your system.
During this period, it’s crucial to maintain the healthy eating and exercise habits you developed while on Wegovy. These routines help you manage hunger and sustain weight loss even after stopping the medication.
Key Takeaways
- Some patients continue Wegovy long-term, but some may reduce or stop their dose depending on individual circumstances.
- Gradual dose reduction is preferred over abrupt cessation.
- Maintaining balanced meals, regular exercise, and mindful eating habits is essential for success.
- Work closely with your Phlo Pharmacist to plan the best approach for your individual needs.
References
- Garvey, W. T., Batterham, R. L., Bhatta, M., Buscemi, S., Christensen, L. N., Frias, J. P., Jódar, E., Kandler, K., Rigas, G., Wadden, T. A., Wharton, S., & STEP 5 Study Group (2022). Two-year effects of semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity: the STEP 5 trial. Nature medicine, 28(10), 2083–2091. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-022-02026-4
- Kommu S, Whitfield P. Semaglutide. [Updated 2024 Feb 11]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK603723/
- 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. D., 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
