What you’ll learn:
- Keeping weight off after Wegovy® involves tapering off the medication slowly and maintaining healthy habits.
- People have different reasons for stopping Wegovy®, including achieving their weight loss goal, side effects, cost, and accessibility during shortages.
- Understanding potential changes in appetite and metabolism before stopping Wegovy can help you manage your weight more effectively.
People decide to stop taking Wegovy® for a variety of reasons. Some have reached their goal weight and feel ready to move forward without medication. Others no longer want to deal with uncomfortable side effects, can’t find a steady supply, or can no longer afford the medication. Whatever the reason, they’re often left wondering: “What’s next?”
Keeping weight off after Wegovy® isn’t always easy. Studies show that most people regain about two-thirds of their lost weight within a year of stopping semaglutide (Wegovy®’s active ingredient). But, studies also show that people can sustain their results with the right approach—and Noom can help.
Keeping weight off after Wegovy® means using more than just willpower. It’s about maintaining sustainable lifestyle changes that you learned through Noom. What you eat and how you move will help you thrive after coming off Wegovy. How you come off it matters, too. Your clinician will help you taper off the medication slowly to help your body adjust. If you want to try another medication, see if you qualify for Noom Med to discuss other options that might work for you.
Let’s talk about coming off Wegovy® safely or finding an alternative that fits into your lifestyle better.
How to taper off Wegovy®
Tapering off of Wegovy® should be done carefully and under a clinician’s guidance. Wegovy’s active ingredient, semaglutide, remains in the body for a relatively long period, with an approximate half-life of one week. This slow elimination rate means that even after stopping the medication, it can take five to seven weeks for it to fully exit your system. Gradually reducing the dosage rather than abruptly stopping helps your body adjust, minimizing the likelihood of a sudden increase in appetite or other side effects.
Your clinician will likely lower your dose for a few weeks, easing your body off the medication. During the tapering process, you may notice changes in hunger and energy levels as the effects gradually decrease. You should closely monitor your eating habits as hunger can come back stronger than before. Tracking what you eat in Noom can help. It’s important to share any concerns with your clinician throughout the process. They can adjust the dosage and provide strategies to manage any withdrawal symptoms.
Why you might have trouble keeping weight off after Wegovy®
When you stop taking Wegovy®, the way your body deals with hunger and processes food can change. Here are some things that might happen that can lead to weight gain:
- Changes in appetite: GLP-1 medications like Wegovy® help reduce appetite, slow down digestion, and keep you feeling full for longer. When you stop taking it, you might notice increased hunger as your body adjusts to its natural appetite signals.
- Slower metabolism: Your body may also burn fewer calories at rest without Wegovy®’s influence, so the same eating habits could lead to weight gain. This happens as your metabolism adjusts back to its typical rate, which is usually slower than with the medication’s support.
- Blood sugar fluctuations: If you have diabetes, you might notice your blood sugar rising more quickly after meals. Rapid blood sugar changes might trigger more frequent hunger, especially for quick-energy foods like carbs and sugars. Over time, giving in to these cravings can add extra calories, leading to gradual weight regain.
- Changes in how you respond to social situations: Common eating issues you had in the past with social situations might resurface after stopping Wegovy®. Be on the alert for:
- Increased stress eating: High-stress situations, like work deadlines or family responsibilities, can lead to emotional eating, especially late at night or with comfort foods.
- Eating more in social situations: Events and gatherings—especially around the holidays—can make food or drink the focus, making it easy to stray from your usual habits.
Understanding these factors can help you prepare for them. With support from Noom, you can maintain your weight or even lose more weight after stopping Wegovy.
7 tips for keeping weight off after Wegovy®
The key to maintaining weight loss after stopping Wegovy® is to build a solid foundation of exercise and eating habits before you come off it. Here are some practical tips to help you stay on track:
High-quality meds. Powerful psychology-based weight loss.
- Starting at $149/month
- Meds to your door in 7 days
- 100% online access to coaches and doctors
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Medications require consultation and prescription by clinician through Noom platform. Not all customers will qualify for prescription. Compounded semaglutide is produced in an FDA-registered facility but not reviewed by the FDA for safety, efficacy or quality.
- Make your meals balanced and satisfying: Think of each meal and snack as a chance to fuel your body with nutrients. Aim for a balanced plate with colorful veggies, lean proteins, high-fiber whole grains, and some healthy fats. This combination keeps you satisfied without eating more than you need. Noom’s food color system can help guide you toward nutrient-dense and satisfying foods.
- Track your progress: Keeping a record of what you eat, your activities, and how you feel can be incredibly insightful. Use Noom to log everything you eat. Tracking helps you spot patterns and stay accountable. You’ll be able to see when you’re on track or need an adjustment. Remember, if you use Noom the odds are tilted in your favor: Studies show that 75% of Noom users kept off at least 5% body weight loss after a year.
- Practice mindful eating: Slow down and savor each bite. Your brain needs about 20 minutes to catch up with your stomach. Give it time by putting down your fork between bites or engaging in conversation. Mindful eating helps you tune into your body’s signals and prevents overeating, making each meal more enjoyable.
- Stay active: You don’t need intense workouts to stay fit. Here are some tips people of all fitness levels can use:
- Find something you like to do: Noom encourages “joyful movement”—finding activities you love that fit naturally into your day.
- Increase gradually: Aim for about 150 minutes of movement throughout the week, whether it’s brisk walking, dancing around your living room, or a relaxing yoga flow.
- Small improvements count: Take the stairs or park in the furthest parking spot. Small moments add up.
- Aim for consistency: The key is to keep moving in ways that feel good and boost your mood, supporting long-term weight maintenance with joy.
- Incorporate weight training: Adding weight training into your routine is an effective way to maintain weight loss and can reduce your body fat percentage. Strength training helps build lean muscle, which increases your resting metabolic rate and allows your body to burn more calories even at rest. Aim for two to three weekly sessions, focusing on major muscle groups. Don’t know where to start? Check out Noom’s collection of workouts for people of all fitness levels.
- Build a strong support network: Having people who support your goals can make all the difference. Connect with friends, family, or your favorite Noom community for encouragement and motivation. Whether it’s a workout buddy or a friend who’s also focused on health, having support makes the journey more enjoyable and boosts your chances of sticking with your habits.
- Embrace the ups and downs: We say it all the time: weight maintenance is a journey, and some days may be easier than others. Remember, it’s normal to have fluctuations. Noom helps you understand these changes and gives you tools to adapt so you’re ready to handle shifts in hunger and energy as they come. Don’t let the little things get you down. Focus on your overall progress and stay committed to your healthy habits. Consistency over time is what truly makes a difference.
Remember, it’s all about creating a lifestyle that fits you—not forcing yourself into a rigid mold. With these tools, you can maintain your progress confidently and enjoy the journey along the way.
What to do if Wegovy® is too expensive or unavailable
If you’re thinking about stopping Wegovy® due to cost concerns or because the medication is not in stock, you have options. If you qualify for Noom Med, ask your clinician about compounded semaglutide* via Noom GLP-1Rx. Our compounded semaglutide option contains the same active ingredient (semaglutide) as Wegovy® but starts at just $149 per month and is ready to ship if prescribed.
*Compounded semaglutide available on the Noom platform is produced in an FDA-registered facility but not reviewed by the FDA for safety, efficacy, or quality.
Keeping weight off after Wegovy
Stopping Wegovy® can feel like stepping into the unknown, but with the right strategies and support, many people find keeping weight off after Wegovy® possible. Whether you’re tapering off due to cost, side effects, or simply feeling ready, the key lies in understanding how your body adjusts and preparing for those changes.
By building sustainable habits—like eating balanced meals, staying active, and practicing mindful eating—you’ll create a strong foundation for long-term success. Noom is here to guide you through every step, from tracking your progress to providing a supportive community. And if Wegovy® isn’t accessible or affordable, Noom Med offers an alternative. Compounded semaglutide might be an option that will fit your budget. See if you qualify to be connected with a clinician who can decide if it’s the right choice for you.
Your journey doesn’t end when you stop Wegovy®—it evolves. With commitment, flexibility, and the right resources, you can maintain your progress and feel confident about the path ahead.
