Weight-loss injections help many people lose weight — but what happens when you stop? Experts say the transition needs planning. (Image: Pexels)
Anti-diabetic and weight-loss medications have gained widespread attention as obesity rates continue to rise globally. While discussions often focus on their effectiveness, cost, and side effects, far less attention is paid to what happens when people try to stop using these drugs.
In a report by the BBC, Tanya Hall, a sales manager at a large fitness company, shared her experience of attempting to come off Wegovy, a popular injectable weight-loss medication. Hall said that each time she tried to stop the drug, the return of hunger was sudden and overwhelming. “It’s like a switch that goes on, and you’re instantly starving,” she told the BBC.
Hall began using Wegovy after struggling with her weight for much of her life. She described feeling like an “imposter” in the fitness industry and believed her opinions were often dismissed because of her size. After losing weight on the medication, she noticed a marked shift in how people treated her, receiving praise and greater professional respect.
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However, the early months of treatment were not without challenges. Hall experienced persistent nausea, headaches, sleep disturbances, and hair loss — a symptom that can occur with rapid weight reduction. “My hair was falling out in clumps,” she said. Despite this, she lost around three and a half stone, achieving the results she had hoped for.
More than 18 months into the treatment, Hall has attempted to stop taking the injections several times. Each attempt resulted in intense hunger and compulsive eating within days. “It was like something opened up in my mind and said, ‘Eat everything — you deserve it,’” she said. Ultimately, she decided to continue the medication, fully aware of both its benefits and limitations.
Hall also reflected on the psychological dependence that can develop. After losing nearly six stone (around 38 kg), she said there is a strong urge to stay on the drug because it provides a sense of control. “Maybe it’s the other way around,” she added, questioning whether the medication is now controlling her.
According to Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi, a lifestyle GP in the UK, stopping weight-loss drugs can feel abrupt and destabilising. “It can be like jumping off a cliff,” he told the BBC, explaining that many patients stop treatment once they reach their target weight, often while on the highest dose. The return of appetite, or “food noise”, can happen as early as the next day.
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Dr Al-Zubaidi said evidence suggests that 60 to 80 percent of the weight lost may return within one to three years after discontinuing the medication. This makes a structured transition plan essential. “It’s all about having an exit strategy,” he said, stressing the importance of ongoing medical guidance.
Experts also warn that without broader lifestyle support, long-term success remains difficult. The UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends that patients receive at least one year of follow-up support, including tailored lifestyle plans, after stopping weight-loss medication. However, for people who access these drugs privately, such structured support is not always available.
Weight-loss drugs in India
Injectable weight-loss drugs have delivered results for many people where traditional diets have failed. In India, Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic has recently entered the market, while Wegovy was launched on June 24. India’s drug regulator has also approved Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro, according to a Reuters report dated June 26, 2025.
Health experts emphasise that while these medications can be powerful tools, they work best as part of a long-term, medically supervised plan that includes lifestyle changes and psychological support.
FAQs on Side-Effects of Quitting Weight-Loss Drugs
1. What are the common side effects when stopping weight-loss drugs?
Stopping weight-loss drugs can lead to a sudden return of intense hunger, increased food cravings, and potential weight regain. Psychological effects, such as a sense of loss of control and compulsive eating, may also occur.
2. How soon can side effects appear after discontinuing the medication?
Side effects, particularly increased appetite and food cravings, can appear as early as the next day after stopping the medication.
3. Will the weight lost on medication return after stopping it?
Evidence suggests that 60 to 80 percent of the weight lost may return within one to three years of discontinuing the medication without a structured transition plan and ongoing medical guidance.
4. What can be done to manage these side effects?
A structured exit strategy is essential, including ongoing medical guidance, lifestyle support, and potentially psychological counselling to manage the transition and maintain weight loss.
5. Is there a way to stop the medication without regaining weight?
Stopping medication should be done under medical supervision with a personalised plan that includes dietary adjustments, physical activity, and psychological support to help maintain the weight loss achieved.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.