Wegovy withdrawal symptoms: What to expect when you stop taking semaglutide?

Key points

• Wegovy (semaglutide) does not cause traditional withdrawal symptoms, but expect appetite to come back, leading to weight gain
• Wegovy stays in your system up to 5 weeks. Effects diminish gradually
• Do not stop taking Wegovy abruptly. Work with your healthcare provider on a safe transition plan

What happens when you stop taking Wegovy?

While you won't experience physical withdrawal, your body will go through changes as the medication's effects wear off.

Research shows that most people regain weight and that their appetite returns to previous levels. Knowing what to expect helps you plan for success.

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy contains semaglutide as an active ingredient. This once-weekly injection mimics a natural hormone to control appetite and blood sugar.

Wegovy can be used to treat:

• Weight loss in adults and teens with obesity
• Reducing the risk of heart attacks and stroke in people with heart disease
• Treating a serious liver condition, MASH (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis)

Does stopping Wegovy cause withdrawal symptoms?

According to Gia Eapen, MD, "While Wegovy is not shown to be addictive, discontinuing the medication can lead to noticeable changes in your body. An increase in appetite and weight gain are common. This is why it’s important not to stop taking Wegovy suddenly. Please work with your healthcare provider and follow a staged transition plan to taper doses under medical supervision.”

When you stop taking Wegovy, your body returns to its baseline. Food cravings may resurface, and "food noise" may return. Food noise refers to those constant thoughts about eating that may have been quieted when taking Wegovy.

What are the effects of stopping Wegovy?

Wegovy can remain in your body for up to 5 weeks after your final dose.

The medication has a half-life of about 7 days, which is the time needed for your body to eliminate half the drug. It typically takes around five half-lives to eliminate semaglutide from the system.

When you stop Wegovy, several changes can occur as your body readjusts. Some of the potential effects are outlined below:

1. Return of appetite and potential weight regain

You may notice your appetite and weight slowly increase as you stop taking Wegovy. One study found that people who stopped semaglutide regained about two-thirds of their lost weight within a year.

Results vary between individuals. People who maintain healthy eating and exercise habits even after stopping Wegovy may sustain their weight loss better than those who do not.

2. Changes in digestion

Wegovy slows stomach emptying. When you stop the medication, your digestion may gradually return to normal. You might feel hungry sooner after meals as food is processed more quickly. Smaller portions may no longer feel as satisfying.

Additionally, Wegovy commonly causes digestive side effects, including nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, and bloating. These side effects often improve over time as your body adjusts to the medication. When you stop Wegovy, these digestive side effects typically resolve.

3. A1C and blood sugar changes

While Wegovy is not approved for type 2 diabetes management, some people experience A1C reduction along with weight loss. After stopping Wegovy, your A1C levels may rise.

Eapen, MD, notes, “If you have insulin resistance, please let your healthcare provider know before you stop taking Wegovy or Ozempic so they can adjust your medication as needed”.

4. Cardiovascular considerations

Wegovy helps reduce heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death in adults who are obese or overweight with heart disease. Stopping the medication may impact these protective effects if you are not taking other heart-protective meds prescribed by your healthcare provider.

If you started Wegovy for heart health and plan to stop, please work closely with your healthcare provider.

5. Impact on liver health (if used for MASH)

In August 2025, the FDA approved Wegovy for MASH (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis) with moderate to advanced liver fibrosis.

Clinical trials showed 63% of people on Wegovy saw improvement in liver inflammation without worsening scarring, while 37% improved fibrosis without worsening inflammation.

After stopping, these improvements may not be sustained. Liver inflammation could return, and fibrosis progression might resume.

“Since MASH approval is recent, long-term discontinuation data remains limited,” says Eapen, MD. “Again, please do not stop taking Wegovy on your own. It’s best to taper off the medication under medical supervision.”

How to discontinue Wegovy safely?

If you're considering stopping Wegovy, working with your healthcare provider can help you maintain your progress.

1. Talk to your doctor first

Never stop Wegovy without consulting your healthcare provider. They can help you develop a tailored transition plan.

This plan might include gradual dose reduction, alternate medications, and lifestyle strategies. Try monitoring key health markers, such as weight, blood pressure, appetite, and digestive changes, to track progress.

2. Focus on nutrition

Good nutrition matters while taking Wegovy, but it becomes especially important after stopping the medication.

"After stopping Wegovy, establishing a sustainable nutrition foundation is essential," says Rita Faycurry, RD, Registered Dietitian. "Identify nutrient-dense foods that promote satiety and stable blood sugar. Focus on building balanced meals with adequate protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Planning meals, eating mindfully, and understanding hunger cues can potentially help prevent weight regain."

A registered dietitian can develop a personalized Wegovy diet plan that keeps you satisfied while helping you manage your weight. They can guide you through everyday challenges such as emotional eating, meal planning, dining out, and portion control. 

A dietitian also helps you distinguish actual hunger from cravings. The goal is to build sustainable eating habits that support your long-term health.

3. Maintain an active lifestyle

Physical activity is crucial for maintaining weight loss and overall health. The US CDC recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity weekly. In addition, adults require at least 2 days of muscle-strengthening activity each week.

Find activities you enjoy and consider an accountability partner or fitness group for support. Track progress and celebrate non-scale victories like increased strength or better endurance.

Final thoughts: Wegovy withdrawal symptoms

Discontinuing Wegovy requires careful planning and professional support. After stopping, you may notice your appetite returning and some weight regain.

Blood sugar and cardiovascular markers may shift. Patients using Wegovy for liver disease should continue to monitor key liver parameters under medical supervision.

Success after Wegovy depends on establishing sustainable habits before you stop using it. Work with your healthcare team to develop nutrition and exercise strategies that fit your lifestyle.

Your healthcare provider and a dietitian can guide you through this transition.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How to maintain weight loss after stopping Wegovy?

Weight loss success requires a multi-pronged approach. Stay connected with your healthcare provider for ongoing support. Focus on a sustainable eating plan focused on whole foods, protein, fiber, and regular exercise.

Do you need to wean off Wegovy?

Always stop Wegovy under medical supervision. Your healthcare provider can determine the best approach for your situation and ensure appropriate monitoring throughout the process.

How quickly does Wegovy leave your system?

Typically, it takes around 5 weeks for Wegovy to leave your system entirely. It can vary from person to person based on individual factors.

Can you use Wegovy for short-term weight loss?

Wegovy is not designed for temporary use. It's approved as a long-term medication for chronic weight management in people with obesity and weight-related health issues.

Prevent weight gain after stopping Wegovy. Get a personalized Wegovy weight loss plan from a dietitian who accepts your insurance.

The views expressed by authors and contributors of such content are not endorsed or approved by Fay and are intended for informational purposes only. The content is reviewed by Fay only to confirm educational value and audience interest. You are encouraged to discuss any questions that you may have about your health with a healthcare provider.