Weight-loss injections such as GLP-1 medications have helped many people reduce their weight and improve their health. However, new research published in the British Medical Journal has highlighted a challenge that patients should be aware of. On average, people who stop weight-loss injections regain much of the weight they lost within around 18 months.
With an estimated 1.6 million people in the UK having used weight-loss injections in the past year, this understandably raises concerns. The good news is that weight regain is not inevitable, and there are practical, medically sound ways to protect your progress after stopping treatment.
Why Weight Regain Can Happen After Stopping Injections
Weight-loss injections work by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite by slowing digestion and increasing feelings of fullness. While you’re on the medication, hunger signals are reduced and blood sugar levels are more stable.
When the injections are stopped, your body may temporarily struggle to produce enough GLP-1 naturally. As a result:
- Hunger may increase
- Cravings can return more strongly
- Portion control may feel harder than before
Research suggests that people coming off weight-loss injections are up to four times more likely to regain weight compared to those who lost weight through traditional diet and lifestyle changes alone. This does not mean the medication has failed—it simply highlights the importance of having a clear plan for life after treatment.
The Goal: Independence, Not Long-Term Dependence
Weight-loss medication is designed to be a tool, not a lifelong aid. The aim is to use it to support healthier habits that you can maintain independently.
Some weight regain is common and should not be viewed as a failure. What matters most is preventing rapid regain and protecting your long-term physical and mental health.
Practical Strategies to Maintain Weight Loss After Stopping
1. Stick to the Habits You Built During Treatment
The routines you followed while on injections still matter once you stop.
- Continue regular physical activity, aiming for a mix of strength and cardiovascular exercise
- Maintain consistent mealtimes
- Avoid extreme restriction, which can backfire and trigger overeating
Consistency is more important than perfection.
2. Prioritise Filling, Balanced Meals
To manage hunger naturally, focus on foods that keep you fuller for longer:
- Protein (eggs, fish, lean meat, tofu, legumes)
- Complex carbohydrates (whole grains, vegetables, pulses)
- Healthy fats (olive oil, nuts, seeds, avocado)
These help stabilise blood sugar and reduce the urge to snack soon after eating.
3. Manage Cravings Proactively
Cravings often return as appetite hormones rebalance, but they can be managed.
Helpful strategies include:
- Staying well hydrated
- Not skipping meals
- Getting enough sleep
- Eating mindfully and checking in with how you feel after meals
Often, cravings are linked to fatigue, dehydration, or emotional stress rather than true hunger.
4. Be Kind to Yourself During Weight Fluctuations
Some weight regain is normal when stopping medication. It does not erase your progress or health improvements.
Shame, stress, or self-criticism can actually increase emotional eating and make weight management harder. Patience and self-compassion are essential during this phase.
5. Don’t Ignore the Mental Side of Weight Loss
Weight loss is not just physical—it’s deeply psychological.
If you notice:
- Stress eating or binge eating
- Anxiety about weight regain
- Patterns of eating too little, then overeating
It’s important to seek support. Speaking to a GP, dietitian, therapist, or joining a support group can help address the underlying emotions that influence eating behaviours.
Addressing mental and emotional factors is often the key to maintaining weight loss long term—especially after stopping medication.
The Bottom Line
Coming off weight-loss injections can feel daunting, but it doesn’t mean losing control or undoing your hard work. With the right support, realistic expectations, and sustainable habits, it’s possible to maintain your progress and protect your health.
For some people, returning to a very low-dose GLP-1 medication may be the most appropriate way forward, particularly if weight regain becomes a concern. If you’re planning to stop weight-loss medication or are already navigating this transition, speak to a healthcare professional for personalised advice. If you have any worries about weight regain, it’s best to talk to your GP about your concerns and discuss the most appropriate next steps for you.
Your weight-loss journey doesn’t end when medication stops—it simply enters its next, more empowering phase.
