Wegovy Withdrawal Explained | Symptoms, Timeline & Support Tips

In recent years, Wegovy has become a popular option for people trying to manage obesity.

Wegovy contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It mimics the GLP-1 hormone, slowing digestion and reducing appetite to help people lose weight. It sends signals to the brain telling it that the stomach is full, so people using Wegovy tend to eat less. 

Because obesity is a chronic health condition, Wegovy is generally prescribed for long-term use. But people sometimes choose to stop taking Wegovy, which often brings with it questions about what to expect and what happens when you come off it? 

Here, we’ll explore Wegovy withdrawal symptoms to expect, as well as when someone might experience them, and where people can go to find support. 

Is Wegovy withdrawal real?

First things first, Wegovy isn’t addictive in the traditional sense. It’s not like nicotine or alcohol. So, semaglutide withdrawal is more about the body adjusting physiologically than experiencing feelings like cravings, for example.

Because semaglutide slows digestion, reduces appetite and controls blood sugar, these can gradually return back to pre-Wegovy levels when the medication is removed. So, while it’s not what we might consider as classic withdrawal, it’s more of a shift in the messages the body’s hormones are sending. 

The experience can differ from person to person, too. Some people will notice more changes than others as their bodies adapt. 

Common Wegovy withdrawal symptoms

While Wegovy withdrawal symptoms can differ from person to person, some stand out as being the most common. However, they can range from being very mild to being more noticeable. Speak to your clinician or a doctor if you’re worried. Here are the symptoms you’re most likely to see:

• Increased appetite or food noise
• Changes in energy
• Bloating, nausea and constipation
• Changes in mood
• Blood sugar changes (more likely in people with insulin resistance)
• Elevated blood pressure
• Weight regain

What to expect week-by-week

Like withdrawal symptoms, the timeline following stopping Wegovy can differ from person to person. However, this is a general guide of what to expect.

Weeks 1-2

For many people, the first couple of weeks after coming off Wegovy are when withdrawal side effects are at their most noticeable. Digestion starts to speed up again, and appetite increases. This is where some people might notice changes in energy or feelings of nausea as the body adjusts, but these side effects tend to be temporary. 

Weeks 3-4

At this stage of semaglutide withdrawal, things start going back to normal. Digestion becomes steadier, hunger cues become more predictable and energy levels become more consistent. 

Over 1 Month

After a few weeks, most people begin to find a new normal. At this stage, it’s most important to consider lifestyle factors like exercise and diet to help regulate weight. 

How to take care of your body after stopping Wegovy

Even when someone stops taking Wegovy, their weight loss journey doesn’t end. To take care of yourself and manage the transition better, the following support steps might help:

• Only stop under clinical supervision – stopping or tapering off yourself can lead to more severe symptoms
• Include plenty of protein in your meals to help keep you fuller for longer
• Ensure you stay hydrated and eat fibre to aid digestion
• Try to exercise, but opt for gentle movement rather than strenuous workouts if you’re finding it tricky
• Try to get enough sleep every night 
• Keep an eye on your appetite and when you feel hungry – it can help you understand triggers

One study has shown that, following a year away from semaglutide after taking it for 68 weeks, people regained two-thirds of their initial weight loss on average. This doesn’t mean that you’re guaranteed to gain weight again, of course, but it does highlight the importance of having a plan in place.

This is where expert care, like that offered by the Virtual Slimming Clinic, can help people navigate their weight loss journey after Wegovy with tailored support that aims for long-term progress. 

When to get support

For some people, extra support can be really helpful. Coming off Wegovy is a big change for a lot of people, and some find they struggle with motivation and confidence. If you do feel like you could benefit from reaching out, it’s not a sign of failure, or an indication that something’s gone wrong. Rather, it’s a great step that can help you with your long-term weight loss goals and overall health. 

When you come off Wegovy, it’s not a case of starting from scratch. You’ll have built some important habits along the journey, and you can bring them with you into this new phase of health. The side effects of stopping Wegovy you might experience are likely temporary, and you can navigate them with support. 

If you’d like guidance that’s personalised to you and your lifestyle, the Virtual Slimming Clinic can help – no matter where you are in your weight loss journey. 

Frequently asked questions

Why do people decide to stop taking Wegovy?

There are a few different reasons why people might stop taking Wegovy. Some might feel like they’ve hit a particular weight loss or health target, while others may struggle with side effects, need to make financial changes, switch to a different medication like Mounjaro, or want to look at different approaches to weight loss.

How long do Wegovy withdrawal symptoms last?

For most people, the side effects of stopping Wegovy are temporary and are unlikely to last for more than a few weeks. However, every person will have a different experience – if you’re concerned, speak to your clinician or a doctor. 

Can you maintain weight loss after stopping Wegovy? 

While studies show that some people will regain weight after stopping GLP-1s, it’s certainly possible to maintain your weight or keep losing. Factors like exercise, diet, sleep and stress all have an impact, and ongoing support can help.