What Happens When You Stop Taking Wegovy?
Are you wondering what happens when you stop taking Wegovy?
Wegovy is a relatively new medication that has gained popularity for its effectiveness in helping people lose weight. However, it is essential to know what happens when you stop taking Wegovy if you plan to start or stop using it.
In this blog post, we will explore the effects of Wegovy on weight loss, what happens when you stop taking it, and the importance of discontinuing Wegovy under medical supervision. We will also discuss the significance of maintaining healthy lifestyle changes even after stopping the medication.
What Is Wegovy?
Wegovy, a brand name of semaglutide, is a new weight loss medication that has been making some serious waves in the health and fitness world.
It works by reducing hunger and cravings, making it easier for people to stick to a healthy diet and exercise regimen.
In clinical trials, patients who took Wegovy lost an average of 11% of their body weight, which is truly impressive.
Like any other medication, Wegovy isn’t a magic solution. It works best when used in conjunction with lifestyle changes. But for people who are struggling with their weight, Wegovy could be a game-changer.
How Wegovy Helps With Weight Loss
Wegovy is a type of medication called a GLP-1 receptor agonist. GLP-1 is a hormone that is naturally produced in the body in response to food intake. It helps to regulate blood sugar levels and appetite.
Wegovy helps reduce food intake. It works by copying the effects of GLP-1 in the body.
When Wegovy activates GLP-1 receptors in the brain, it makes you feel full so that you eat less food. This, in turn, helps to reduce the number of calories people eat, which can lead to weight loss.
Wegovy is typically administered once a week by injection under the skin. It is usually used in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for optimal results.
Clinical studies have shown that Wegovy can help people lose significantly more weight than diet and exercise alone.
What Happens When You Stop Taking Wegovy?
If you stop taking Wegovy, the effects of the medication will quickly wear off, and you may begin to regain some of the weight you lost while taking it.
In clinical trials, people who stopped taking the medication began to regain weight within a few weeks.
In clinical trials, people who stopped taking the medication began to regain weight gradually.
This is because Wegovy reduces appetite and increases feelings of fullness, which helps people eat less and lose weight. When you stop taking the medication, these effects will quickly diminish, and you may feel hungrier and less satisfied with smaller portions of food.
This can lead to an increased calorie intake, which can result in weight regain.
Would You Regain Weight If You Stop Taking Wegovy?
Yes, if you didn’t make changes in your lifestyle.
When you stop taking Wegovy, you will likely begin to regain the weight you lost while taking it. This is because Wegovy reduces appetite and increases feelings of fullness, which helps people eat less and lose weight. So, when appetite increases, people eat more.
In a large study, including 1051 participants, participants taking semaglutide were divided into two groups at week 20.
Those who continued taking the drug lost 17.4% of their initial body weight during the 68 weeks the trial lasted. In contrast, those stopping the drug at week 20 gradually regained weight.
The Importance of Discontinuing Wegovy Under Medical Supervision
Discontinuing Wegovy under medical supervision is important for ensuring a safe and smooth transition off the medication.
Abrupt discontinuation of the medication may cause withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and headache. Your doctor may recommend gradually reducing your dose over time to minimize the risk of withdrawal symptoms and to help ease the transition off the medication.
Furthermore, a healthcare professional can help you transition to a new weight loss plan after stopping Wegovy.
How to Prevent Weight Gain
The prevention of regaining the weight you lost on Wegovy begins the moment you start taking the medication.
You must start creating lifestyle changes that lead to weight loss and weight maintenance while on the medication. This includes eating a balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity.
Making such changes is relatively easy while on Wegovy because you eliminate the hunger and anxiety people on other weight loss programs experience.
Once you stop taking Wegovy, these new lifestyle changes will help you maintain your weight and prevent the regain of weight.
How a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Can Help
Some recent clinical trials include the guidance of a registered dietitian/nutritionist for study participants.
A registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) can be particularly helpful for patients taking Wegovy. While on the medication, an RDN can offer guidance on maintaining a balanced diet focused on weight loss that fits your unique needs. They can also suggest other lifestyle choices related to weight loss.
By working with a registered dietitian, patients can improve their chances of successfully losing weight with Wegovy and maintaining their weight loss over time.
Maintaining Healthy Lifestyle Changes
Maintaining healthy lifestyle changes is essential even after stopping Wegovy. While Wegovy can be an effective weight loss tool, it is not a permanent solution to overweight and obesity.
A balanced diet and regular physical activity are crucial for maintaining weight loss and overall health.
Here are some tips for maintaining healthy lifestyle changes after stopping Wegovy:
- Follow a balanced diet: Focus on eating whole, nutrient-dense foods, including plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Avoid processed and high-calorie foods, which can lead to weight gain.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help keep you feeling full and prevent overeating. Aim for at least eight glasses of water per day.
- Practice portion control: Use smaller plates and measuring cups to help control portion sizes. Avoid eating in front of the TV or computer, as this can lead to mindless overeating.
- Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. This can include activities like brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.
- Get enough sleep: Aim for at least seven to eight hours of sleep per night. Sleep deprivation can lead to increased appetite and weight gain.
- Monitor your weight: Regularly weigh yourself to keep track of your progress, and adjust your diet and exercise routine as needed.
My Expert Opinion
As a doctor in clinical nutrition, I believe Wegovy can be a great weight loss tool for those looking to shed excess pounds. It can help reduce hunger, cravings, and anxiety that often accompany diets and exercise programs.
However, it is important to remember that while Wegovy can help you lose weight, making healthy lifestyle changes is essential for maintaining your weight even after stopping the medication.
More studies are necessary to make definite conclusions about Wegovy in the term.
One interesting aspect I often encounter in practice is that most patients on this medication report hunger and anxiety beginning the day before the next dose.
Wegovy is a tool to help you with weight loss, not a permanent solution.
Dr. Su-Nui Escobar is a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist in Miami, FL. She is passionate about helping women over 40 live their best lives through healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle. Su-Nui is a doctor in clinical nutrition, able to translate complicated evidence-based science into practical advice. Su-Nui is the former spokesperson of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.