Discontinuation and long-term follow-up
Understanding weight regain after stopping medication
After stopping the medication, you will get hungry easily and the weight will slowly return. This is something that needs to be planned in advance. Don’t blame yourself for this.
If you are considering stopping the medication, make arrangements for follow-up first. You don’t have to wait until your weight has regained a lot before seeking help.
Who did the study look at?
This 2026 BMJ study compiled 37 studies and 9,341 people's changes after stopping weight management drugs. There are several drugs covered, and not everyone uses Mounjaro or Wegovy.
It is not uncommon to regain weight after discontinuing medication.
The overall analysis estimates an average monthly recovery of approximately 0.4 kilograms. But this is an average from many different studies and cannot be used to predict how much you will gain next month. Everyone’s medications, physical condition, and follow-up schedule are different.
Data on long-term discontinuation are still limited
The methods and quality of the studies vary, and data on long-term discontinuation of newer drugs are limited. Some of the longer-term results are calculated using models, and not everyone has been tracked to gain weight back to the original point, so you don’t need to see the numbers to assume that you will definitely gain weight again.
Arrange follow-up before stopping medication
If you want to stop taking medication because of cost, discomfort, preparation for pregnancy, or because you have reached your goals, please say so. Schedule weight, diet and health tracking with your doctor. Good living habits are worth maintaining, but you don't need to put all the pressure on your own willpower to "never gain weight again".
If I need to stop taking my medication, what are my tracking frequency, weight change warning signs, and next steps?
Original document
This article summarizes research results and care reminders and cannot replace individual diagnosis and treatment. The drugs or uses under study may not have been approved in Taiwan. Please do not change the medication or adjust the dosage accordingly.