Weight Loss Injections - Can You Ever Stop?

I’ve already talked about weight loss injections in two of my previous blogs [1, 2], but one thing I didn’t talk about was the aftermath. What actually happens when the jabs stop? And if you do, will you keep your results, or will your old self come back. The price of these drugs are increasing from an average of £122 to £330 per month from September 2025, so I'm sure we'll be expecting a few drop outs.

Studies show that most people regain a chunk of the weight when coming off the drugs [3]. The UK’s NICE guidelines make it clear that these drugs should only be used as part of a bigger package of support, including diet, exercise, and behaviour change. However, they should not be looked at as a magic jab you take and then forget about [4].

If you do want to stop, the best odds of keeping the weight off come from building those habits while you’re still on the meds, so that when you step off, you’ve already trained yourself to balance without stabilisers.

What the Studies Really Show

Take Ozempic (Semaglutide). In the STEP 4 trial, people who stayed on it kept losing or maintaining [5]. Those who switched to placebo regained weight, fast. In the STEP 1 Extension, one year off the drug saw participants gain back around two-thirds of what they’d lost [6].

Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) tells the same story. In SURMOUNT-4, people who carried on with the drug maintained results, and those who stopped watched their weight creep up again [7].

There’s some early evidence that slowly cutting down the meds, rather than immediately quitting, may soften the rebound [8]. You'll also be able to spot the warning signs like cravings, snacking, restless hunger, etc.

Learn from the Meds

Here’s the opportunity that 90% of the people taking the weight loss injections are missing: while your appetite is calmer, that’s the perfect time to rehearse the habits that will keep you lean long after the pen runs out. Prioritise protein with every meal. I recommend around 1 to 1.2g per lb of bodyweight (2.2-2.5g per kg) each day. My app has loads of perks to scan food barcodes, check calories, work out your macros, and more.

Hit the weights at least twice a week, ideally three. Keep your steps consistent, from 7–10k a day. Don’t ignore the invisible stuff like sleep and stress, because nobody ever reached for broccoli after a few hours sleep and a rough day at work. Finally, tidy up your food environment. If you’ve got a tub of Celebrations in the cupboard that are “for guests,” you and I both know how that story ends.

FAQs I Get

1. Can I keep it off without the jab?

   Yes, it’s possible but the stats aren’t on your side. Studies show regain is common when you come off [9]. Plan for your appetite to come back.

   
   

2. Is it safe to stay on long-term?

   Current data says yes, with regular monitoring. Serious side effects are uncommon, but no drug is totally risk-free [10].

   
   

3. Do I have to hit the max dose?

   Not always. Trials show that some people do well with lower or slower dosing [11].

Still Thinking?

I've already said between blogs that these meds work brilliantly while you’re on them. Stopping is possible, but only if you treat it like a serious training phase, rather than a finish line. If you decide to carry on, use the time to build the habits that will carry you forward.

Even if you do stop, stay connected to your coach, dietitian, or your original prescriber. Don’t do it alone. Contact me for any questions!