Can You Use Wegovy for Maintenance Only? What Experts Recommend

If you’ve lost weight on Wegovy, you might be wondering what comes next – and whether you should stop using GLP-1s. Is Wegovy only for weight loss or can you use it for maintenance?

Today, obesity is understood as a long-term chronic health condition rather than a short-term issue. Accordingly, experts increasingly support the long-term use of GLP-1 medications.

If you’re considering Wegovy maintenance use – whether you’ve been taking it to lose weight or you’re thinking about starting and you’ve got an eye on the future – here’s everything you need to know.

Why some people are considering using Wegovy for maintenance

Wegovy contains the active ingredient semaglutide, which is a GLP-1 receptor agonist – meaning that it mimics the hormone GLP-1. This hormone helps people lose weight by slowing digestion and reducing appetite. It sends signals to the brain that the stomach is full, so people using Wegovy tend to eat less, losing weight over time. 

Stopping the use of Wegovy abruptly can lead to weight gain because appetite will often increase back to pre-treatment levels or sometimes go higher. And when people lose weight, it means that they burn fewer calories at rest. When GLP-1 medications are stopped suddenly, the combination of increased hunger and slower metabolism means that gaining weight is very possible. 

In part due to this, there’s been a shift in thinking. Wegovy is no longer thought of as a treatment for the short term, but as a longer-term treatment for a chronic condition. 

What maintenance actually means

Using Wegovy for maintenance doesn’t mean that someone will stay on the highest dose forever. Clinicians may suggest moving to a lower dose when the goal shifts from weight loss to maintenance and checking in regularly to reassess your treatment and how it’s going.

It’s also important to remember that GLP-1 medications should be used alongside wider lifestyle changes. Even if you’re no longer using Wegovy for weight loss, it’s best to stick to a balanced diet, aim to do regular exercise and get a sensible amount of sleep. 

What the experts recommend

Obesity is increasingly being viewed as a chronic disease and according to physician recommendations, long-term GLP-1 maintenance can be effective as part of a more general healthy lifestyle.

It’s important not to make any decisions without talking them through with your clinician. While you might find it beneficial to do some research yourself, making adjustments yourself – such as moving from weekly to biweekly injections – isn’t advisable. 

Who might benefit from maintenance use

Everybody is different and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to Wegovy use. However, the following groups of people may benefit more from maintenance use. 

• People with a history of weight cycling or yo-yo dieting – the pattern of losing and regaining weight
• People who have stopped using GLP-1s before but struggled with food noise – persistent, unwanted, intrusive thoughts about food and eating
• People who’ve found that they gained weight quickly after coming off GLP-1s
• Those with insulin resistance, who can struggle with hunger and cravings after losing weight
• People with metabolic syndrome – a group of health problems that increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular issues – as they can find it easy to regain weight after stopping GLP-1s

Some people at a healthy weight, who have never used GLP-1s, may wonder if they could start using Wegovy to prevent gaining weight in future. However, GLP-1s are only approved for people with obesity and related health conditions and using them from a healthy starting point hasn’t been studied for safety. For individuals in this position, it’s best to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet. 

Getting support for weight loss maintenance

Maintaining a weight you’re happy with after significant weight loss can be tricky, particularly when using GLP-1s to help you do so. Following physician recommendations can support you through this next step in your journey and they’ll be on hand if you have any questions or concerns or would like to reassess your dose. 

Wherever you are in your own journey, regular check-ins and expert guidance from teams like those at the Virtual Slimming Clinic can help you navigate Wegovy maintenance use safely and encourage you to stay on track with weight control. 

Frequently asked questions

Can I use Wegovy to maintain my weight after losing it?

Wegovy is increasingly viewed as a long-term treatment for a chronic condition rather than a short-term weight loss tool and continuing on Wegovy can help maintain weight. Discuss your treatment with your clinician to come up with a plan that works for you.

Is it safe to use GLP-1s for maintenance in the long term?

For most individuals with obesity and related conditions, long-term GLP-1 use under medical supervision is considered safe. With regular monitoring, you can bring up any concerns you have, help manage side effects and adjust dosage if needed. 

Can people at a healthy weight take Wegovy to prevent future weight gain?

GLP-1 medications, including Wegovy, are not generally recommended for people at a healthy weight. There’s little research into the safety, so it’s best to follow healthy lifestyle strategies instead.