Avoid weight gain after stopping Wegovy and Mounjaro with GP's three-step method

Avoid weight gain after stopping Wegovy and Mounjaro with GP's three-step method Health expert shares three ways to minimise and slow down rapid weight regain after coming off the injections A health expert has shared exactly what people can do to avoid rapid weight gain after stopping weight-loss injections such as Wegovy and Mounjaro. Weight loss medications continue to surge in popularity, with studies suggesting that one in eight Brits will take GLP-1 drugs by 2027. With that in mind, Dr Ann Nainan, a GP at Medicspot, an online weight-loss medication clinic, has shared the dangers of suddenly stopping weight-loss medications and how to do so safely. She said: "The duration that people take weight loss medications for varies depending on each individual's reasons for taking the drugs. "For many users, the prospect of coming off weight loss medications can be daunting due to the potential side effects." She added: "However, before coming off the medication, it’s crucial to speak to a healthcare professional or an expert at an online weight loss clinic to ensure you do so safely and over a period of time. Stopping weight loss medications suddenly can pose health risks and potentially reverse the results you have achieved." According to researchers at the University of Cambridge, stopping GLP-1 medications (such as semaglutide or tirzepatide) often triggers an appetite and neurochemical rebound because the drug's artificial "brake" on hunger is removed. Studies show that people often experience rapid initial weight regain (averaging about 0.4 kg to 0.8 kg per month), though many still retain roughly a quarter of their total lost weight in the long term. What are the dangers of stopping weight loss medications suddenly? - Rapid weight gain - Increased appetite and cravings - Blood sugar spikes Recent BMJ research suggests weight often returns quickly after stopping weight-loss medication. A 2026 review in The BMJ found that people who stopped the newer weight-loss injections, semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro), regained an estimated 9.9 kg (about 1.5 stone) on average within a year, around two-thirds of the weight they had lost. As weight-loss medications help slow digestion and control 'food noise', stopping them suddenly can lead to an increased appetite. Dr Ann said that if this happens, the chances of food cravings and thoughts about eating intensify, "which can often lead to unhealthy eating and weight gain". As weight loss medications are often prescribed to people with prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes, Dr Ann says that it' s crucial to know that stopping the medication suddenly can lead to blood sugar spikes and unstable glucose levels. "This may result in medical treatment for the changes in blood sugar being required if left unmanaged", she said. Ensure our latest health headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as a Preferred Source in your Google search settings How to safely come off weight loss medications For any users who want to stop taking weight-loss medications, Dr Ann says it's important to do so safely by following the points below. - Maintain healthy eating habits - Exercise regularly - Plan weekly meals She explained that weight-loss medications should be used alongside a healthy diet. "It's important to maintain this post-medication," she said. "While occasional treats are fine to enjoy, healthy foods need to form the bulk of your diet to avoid rapid weight gain." Exercising regularly is key to maintaining the results achieved while taking weight-loss medications, Dr Ann stresses. "Alongside helping to stabilise metabolism and energy levels, exercise helps to keep the mind focused and avoid ‘food noise’ which can lead to unhealthy habits being introduced into your daily routine," she said. "One of the key habits to avoid to allow for a safe transition off weight loss drugs is to avoid the urge to binge eat, which is difficult when living a busy life," she added. With that in mind, she recommends planning meals and cooking in bulk where possible, as this will reduce the need to grab ready meals and fast food for convenience. She concluded: "If you are considering coming off your medication, then it’s important to seek advice from a professional or organisation that can offer you dedicated weight loss coaching, as they can create a plan and guide you through the process safely and effectively. If you take medications that affect your blood sugar levels, then it could be dangerous to stop suddenly." Where can people find support? The NHS offers official support options, and NICE guidelines recommend that people receive follow-up care. Your GP can refer you to a specialist weight management service, an NHS dietitian, or the free 12-week NHS Digital Weight Management Programme. Private groups, such as Slimming World, also offer support for people stopping GLP-1 medication. They help you build healthy eating habits for the long term and cope with your appetite returning. You can also find emotional support, encouragement, and practical lifestyle advice in online peer groups, such as GLP-1 weight-maintenance groups on Facebook or in the Obesity Action Coalition.