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Drug Info

How long do you take Wegovy for weight loss?

You may need to take this medication indefinitely to manage your weight
Heidi Borst
By | May 1, 2025 Medically reviewed by J. Elizabeth Allen, DO, FACEP
A man working out | How long do you take wegovy for weight loss?

Key takeaways

  • Weight loss may plateau as the body adjusts to Wegovy, typically after six months.

  • Stopping Wegovy can lead to weight regain, so it’s essential to make a plan with guidance from a healthcare provider.

  • Long-term weight management, with or without medication, requires consistent lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and stress management.

In this article:

Wegovy (active ingredient semaglutide) is a weight-loss medication that belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Manufactured by Novo Nordisk, Wegovy is approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for weight management in individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater and individuals with or a BMI of 27 who have at least one weight-related health condition, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or Type 2 diabetes. It is also FDA-approved to reduce the risk of life-threatening cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke in patients with obesity or who are overweight and also have heart disease.

Like other GLP-1 weight-loss medications, such as Zepbound (tirzepatide) and Saxenda (liraglutide), Wegovy mimics the action of GLP-1, a hormone released by the small intestine after eating. Wegovy increases satiety after meals by slowing digestion, reducing appetite, and stabilizing blood sugar levels, making it easier for individuals to manage their weight effectively.

Wegovy is a long-term treatment you may need to take indefinitely to maintain weight loss. Often, stopping Wegovy can result in regaining your lost weight—but there are ways to keep the weight off without medication. Keep reading to learn about Wegovy weight loss, including when it may plateau and whether you have to take it forever.

RELATED: How much does Wegovy cost?

When do you stop losing weight on Wegovy?

Like most weight-loss journeys, people usually experience a plateau at some point with Wegovy, says Logan G. Galbraith, MD, a healthcare provider and researcher based in Ohio. Weight loss with Wegovy tends to be most noticeable in the first few months, especially after reaching the full dose. “Over time, though, the rate of loss slows down, and the body can settle into a new ‘normal.’ That’s not a sign the medication isn’t working—it’s just part of how our metabolism and hormones adjust,” Dr. Galbraith explains.

Clinical trials have shown that most individuals reach their peak weight loss during the first three to six months of using semaglutide. After this initial period, the rate of weight loss often slows down, leading to a potential plateau. In other words, Wegovy does not inherently lose its effectiveness; instead, the pace of weight loss decreases as the body adapts to the medication (known as metabolic adaptation).

Research indicates that participants can achieve an average weight loss of approximately 15% of their initial body weight over 68 weeks when using Wegovy. Following this timeframe, many individuals are able to maintain the weight they lost, but further reductions in weight become more challenging. 

Dr. Galbraith emphasizes that weight loss will vary from person to person. “Factors like diet, movement, age, and even stress levels can influence how someone responds to the medication,” he says. Plus, healthcare providers may have different protocols for treating their patients.

Wegovy coupons 

Is Wegovy a lifelong medication?

The intended duration of Wegovy varies on a case-by-case basis—some patients may need to take it long-term, while others might only require it for a limited period. For example, once you lose weight on Wegovy, staying on the medication can help you maintain your goal body weight, says Arpita Surkunte, MD, an obesity medicine provider and founder of New Viva MD Weight Loss.

Dr. Galbraith says that most people stay on the same dose of Wegovy once they reach the highest tolerated dosage, whether for weight loss or maintenance. The dosing schedule for Wegovy starts at 0.25 mg weekly for the first month and gradually increases to the full maintenance dose of 1.7 to 2.4 mg weekly. This slow dosage increase helps minimize potential side effects. 

RELATED: Can I start Wegovy at 1.7 mg?

The most common side effects of Wegovy include:

  • Nausea, upset stomach, or vomiting
  • Stomach pain
  • Heartburn
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Excess gas (bloating/belching)
  • Runny nose
  • Sore throat

In some cases, serious side effects may require stopping the medication. They include:

  • Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
  • Gallbladder problems, including gallstones
  • Hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar)  
  • Kidney problems and kidney failure
  • Severe stomach problems
  • Serious allergic reactions
  • Change in vision in people with Type 2 diabetes
  • Increased heart rate
  • Depression or thoughts of suicide

If you experience any serious adverse effects, consult your healthcare provider immediately for medical advice. 

Lifestyle is a major part of success with or without medication. “Even while taking Wegovy, staying active, eating in a way that supports your health, and managing stress all play a big role. The medication helps with appetite and portion control, but behavior is what locks in progress over time,” Dr. Galbraith points out.

Do you have to take Wegovy forever to maintain weight loss?

“Wegovy helps regulate appetite and cravings, and once it’s stopped, those signals can return. So, it’s not unusual to see some weight come back after stopping,” Dr. Galbraith says. That said, it doesn’t mean everyone has to take it forever. 

Research shows that many people regain weight after stopping unless they have strong support systems in place, says Dr. Galbraith. Some studies show that people who taper off GLP-1s are more successful at maintaining weight loss than those who stop abruptly, though weight regain is extremely likely. There is emerging evidence that transitioning people from GLP-1s to metformin can help maintain weight loss. In addition, making structured lifestyle changes—like meal planning, exercise, and managing emotional eating triggers—is key to sustaining weight loss after stopping Wegovy.

Discontinuation may be considered if you experience severe side effects or if you reach your desired weight and have a plan to maintain the weight loss without medication. Always consult a healthcare professional before making any modifications to your treatment plan.

Your healthcare provider is vital in supporting ongoing weight management by providing personalized advice, tracking your progress, and making necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. They can also assist in formulating a balanced lifestyle that promotes effective weight maintenance without relying solely on medication.

The bottom line

Every weight-loss journey is individual, but for patients who have “tried everything” but can’t seem to shed the pounds, weight loss drugs like Wegovy can help. “Let’s remember, however, that outcomes vary based on your genetics, other health conditions, lifestyle, and behavioral health—that’s why I believe in a whole-person approach to weight loss treatment,” Dr. Surkunte says.

You might not have to take Wegovy forever to maintain weight loss, but strategic and consistent lifestyle adjustments are crucial. Closely collaborate with your healthcare provider to establish a weight management plan that aligns with your health goals and circumstances.