Will I Regain Weight If I Stop My GLP-1?

Ask Theresa is an advice column by Theresa Link. A Virta Health Coach since 2015 and a loyal follower of the ketogenic lifestyle, Theresa is a Registered Dietitian who is an expert in living a metabolically-healthy life. 

This week, Theresa hears from those crushing it on Wegovy — except for the whole nausea, needle, and $$$ situation. The big worry? Will all the weight come roaring back if they stop the meds? Theresa dives into what the science says, what actually works long-term, and how bacon, butter, and broccoli might just be your ticket to freedom from injections. Curious? You’ll want to read this one.

❓Question:

Theresa,

I started Virta after my health insurance recommended I try it. In addition to the Virta program, I’ve been taking Wegovy (a GLP-1 medication). It’s really helped control my appetite and lose weight, which I’m excited about. However, I hate the weekly injections and sometimes I get really bad nausea for a few days after I take it. It’s also really expensive. I heard that if I want to keep the weight off, I have to take it forever. So if I stop my GLP-1 will I regain the weight? 

Sincerely,
‍
‍Wary on Wegovy

👩‍💻 Theresa:

‍

Dearest Wary,

Short answer: It depends.

Longer (and more honest) answer: If you're relying on the medication alone, without changing anything else, then yeah — chances are, the weight will come right back. Fast. Think cravings crashing the party and your appetite screaming louder than a toddler banging pots and pans at 6am on a Saturday. 

Let’s unpack this unfortunate reality.

A recent University of Oxford analysis looked at 11 studies with over 6,000 adults. On average, folks lost about 35 pounds on newer GLP-1s like Wegovy and Mounjaro — but regained over 21 pounds within 1 year after stopping. At that pace, the full 35 lbs could be back in just a year and a half.

Why? Because when you stop the meds without a plan, the appetite suppression goes away and... well, your old habits are just waiting in the wings.

Good news: It doesn’t have to be that way.

In early 2024, Virta released a study showing that 85% of members who followed our nutrition-first approach maintained their weight loss for a full year after stopping their GLP-1. And they did this while enjoying delectable meals full of delicious proteins like eggs, beef, pork, poultry, fish, tofu and tempeh; colorful veggies like greens, bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, and asparagus covered in butter and salt; cheese, nuts, cream, avocadoes, berries, olive oil, butter, and... bacon!)

Yes, really. Without the meds. Enjoying all this delicious food.

That means you can step away from the injections and still keep the progress — with a nutrition-first approach and the right support. No needles. No backsliding. Just you, your plate, and science.

So, what should you do?

If you ask me—and you did—you need to think about what you really want in the long run. If you want to stop your GLP-1, now’s the time to really lean into Virta’s nutrition principles, stay close to your health coach and medical provider, and start layering in sustainable habits that’ll stick.

It’s not magic — it’s a plan. And it works.

You can release the chains of weekly injections and ditch those needles for good. You’ve got this!

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