The UK's most complete GLP-1 guide
Every Question Answered. Every Side Effect Explained.
- How GLP-1 medications work
- Mounjaro vs Wegovy compared
- Injection instructions
- Side effects & solutions
- What to eat on treatment
- FAQs answered
Free tracker included with every download this week
Keeping Weight Off After Stopping Wegovy
Maintaining weight loss after stopping a weekly weight loss injection like Wegovy is one of the biggest challenges in weight management. Many people regain weight once they stop taking semaglutide, but research shows this isn't inevitable. The key is understanding what happens to your body when you stop the medication, and having a practical plan to maintain your progress. This guide covers NHS-aligned strategies, lifestyle changes, and when to seek GP support for long-term weight management in the UK.
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Calculate Your BMI Instantly
Enter your height and weight below. Supports both imperial (stone & lbs) and metric (kg). Results include NHS category, healthy weight range, and ethnicity adjustments.
What Is BMI and Why Does It Matter?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is the most widely used screening tool for assessing whether your weight falls within a healthy range. Used by the NHS, GPs, and weight management services across the UK, BMI provides a quick snapshot of your weight relative to your height. The formula is simple: your weight in kilograms divided by your height in metres squared (kg/m²).
While BMI isn't a perfect measure — it doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or fat distribution — it remains the standard first step in identifying potential weight-related health risks including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and certain cancers.
The NHS also recommends adjusted thresholds for people of South Asian, Chinese, or Black African heritage — a BMI of 23 or above is classified as overweight, and 27.5 as obese. Our calculator includes this adjustment as a one-click toggle.
What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Wegovy
When you stop taking Wegovy (semaglutide), your appetite gradually returns to baseline as the medication leaves your system. This typically happens over several weeks. Your GLP-1 receptor sensitivity normalises, meaning the hormonal signals that help you feel full are no longer amplified by the injection.
Research from the STEP trials showed that people who stopped semaglutide after achieving weight loss experienced gradual weight regain over the following 12 months — though the amount varied significantly. Some people maintained most of their loss through lifestyle alone; others regained most or all of their weight.
- Appetite typically returns to baseline within 4–8 weeks of the final dose
- Weight regain is not assured — it depends entirely on lifestyle habits
- The habits you build while on Wegovy are your strongest protection against regain
- NHS guidance recommends continuing reduced-calorie eating and activity regardless of medication status
Your GP can provide support and monitoring throughout this transition period.
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No appointments. No waiting rooms. Just care — from a UK-regulated online pharmacy.
How It Works
Three simple steps to understand your weight and take action.
Enter your height and weight in our free calculator. Get your BMI, NHS category, healthy weight range, and ethnicity-adjusted thresholds instantly.
If your BMI suggests you're overweight or obese, explore our GLP-1 calculators to project potential weight loss on Mounjaro or Wegovy.
Use our progress tracker to log your weight weekly, visualise your journey with charts, and stay motivated — all stored privately in your browser.
Free Weight Loss Tools & Guides
Everything you need to understand your weight, explore medication options, and track your progress — completely free.
Building Sustainable Habits Before You Stop
The best time to prepare for stopping Wegovy is before you stop taking it. While on the medication, you have an advantage: reduced appetite and strong motivation. Use this window to establish new eating and exercise patterns that feel sustainable.
Focus on building habits rather than relying on the medication to do the work. Log your food intake using a food diary or app, establish regular physical activity (NHS recommends 150 minutes moderate activity weekly for adults), and identify your personal triggers for overeating. Use our free progress tracker to monitor your weight and other health markers consistently — this habit of tracking itself is one of the strongest predictors of long-term weight maintenance. These foundations matter far more than the medication once you stop.
- Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist
- Up to 22.5% body weight loss (SURMOUNT-1)
- Weekly injection, dose escalation over 20+ weeks
- Available via private prescription in the UK
- Doses: 2.5mg → 5mg → 7.5mg → 10mg → 12.5mg → 15mg
- GLP-1 receptor agonist
- Up to 15–17% body weight loss (STEP trials)
- Weekly injection, 5-step dose escalation
- NHS & private prescription available
- Doses: 0.25mg → 0.5mg → 1mg → 1.7mg → 2.4mg
Mounjaro vs Wegovy: Head-to-Head
A side-by-side comparison of the two most popular GLP-1 weight loss medications available in the UK.
| Feature | Mounjaro | Wegovy |
|---|---|---|
| Drug class | Dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist | GLP-1 agonist |
| Active ingredient | Tirzepatide | Semaglutide |
| Avg. weight loss | 15–22.5% | 12–17% |
| Key trial | SURMOUNT-1 (2022) | STEP 1 (2021) |
| Max dose | 15 mg weekly | 2.4 mg weekly |
| Escalation period | 20–32 weeks | 16–20 weeks |
| Administration | Weekly injection (pen) | Weekly injection (pen) |
| NHS availability | Private prescription only | NHS & private |
| Approx. private cost | £150–£250/month | £150–£300/month |
| Common side effects | Nausea, diarrhoea, constipation | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea |
Data sourced from SURMOUNT-1 and STEP 1 clinical trials. Costs are approximate and vary by provider. Always consult a prescriber.
Am I Eligible for Weight Loss Medication?
In the UK, eligibility for GLP-1 weight loss medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy is based on your BMI and overall health profile.
- BMI of 30 or above (obese)
- Age 18 or over
- No contraindicated conditions
- Committed to lifestyle changes
- BMI of 27 or above
- Plus type 2 diabetes
- Or high blood pressure
- Or obstructive sleep apnoea
Use our BMI calculator to check whether your BMI falls within the eligible range.
How We Built These Tools
Every calculator and guide on myweightcheck is built with accuracy and transparency in mind. Our BMI calculator uses the standard WHO formula with NHS-aligned category thresholds. Our GLP-1 projections are modelled on published clinical trial data from SURMOUNT and STEP studies.
All data stays on your device. We don't require sign-ups, and we don't store your health information on any server. Your progress tracker saves data locally in your browser using localStorage, so only you can see it.
We're based in the UK and our tools are designed specifically for UK users — supporting stone & lbs by default, referencing NHS guidelines, using NICE-approved medication data, and linking to GPhC-registered pharmacies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about BMI, weight loss medications, and our free UK tools.
Will I definitely regain weight when I stop Wegovy?
Not necessarily. STEP trial data showed varied outcomes — some people maintained significant weight loss through lifestyle alone, while others regained weight. Your outcome depends on whether the eating and activity habits you developed during treatment become permanent parts of your routine. Building these habits intentionally while on Wegovy is the strongest protection.
How long does it take to regain weight after stopping Wegovy?
Weight regain is gradual, typically occurring over weeks to months as appetite returns. Most regain happens in the first 3–6 months after stopping. However, this is not automatic — many people maintain stable weight if they continue the dietary and activity changes that supported their initial loss.
Should I ask my GP about restarting Wegovy if I regain weight?
Yes. If you regain weight and are struggling to maintain your loss through lifestyle alone, discuss this with your GP. They can assess whether restarting medication, trying a different approach, or additional support from NHS specialist services would be appropriate for your individual situation.
What does NHS guidance say about weight maintenance after medication?
NHS guidance (NICE) recommends that weight loss is maintained through continued reduced-calorie eating, increased physical activity, and behavioural changes — regardless of whether you used medication. GPs and tier 3 specialist services can provide ongoing support and monitoring to help you sustain your progress.
Is it common to feel hungry differently after stopping Wegovy?
Yes. Many people notice a significant increase in appetite and food cravings within weeks of stopping. This is normal — your hunger signals are returning to baseline. Managing this transition with structured meal planning, adequate protein intake, and support from your GP or a registered dietitian can help. Our BMI calculator and progress tracker can help you monitor whether dietary adjustments are working.
Ready to take control of your weight loss journey?
Start with a free BMI check, explore your GLP-1 options, or begin tracking your progress today. No sign-up. No cost. Just results.