Why most people stop using Wegovy in a year

Wegovy is changing the way people think about weight loss. First launched in September 2023, the prescription-only drug is helping people across the UK reach their weight loss goals.¹

The active ingredient in Wegovy, semaglutide, can help people lose up to 15% of their body weight.² But its use comes with a significant commitment. To see results, its users must use several different doses of the medication over 5 months. Despite this, studies show that it can and does have a significant impact on the weight loss of people who have previously struggled with weight loss.

But given the benefits of the drug, most users stop taking it within the space of a year. Evidence shows that only 32% of people taking GLP-1 medicines like Wegovy and Ozempic continue for more than a year.³ But what are the reasons for this?

We discuss the reason why patients stop using it and how they can be supported to continue their treatment to see the results they want.

Wegovy can cause a range of side effects including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal discomfort – especially in the early stages of using it. If you're feeling sick or are having bowel issues, it can make it difficult to navigate your everyday life – especially during the first few weeks of treatment.⁴

With these symptoms to contend with, you may find it difficult to stick with the medicine.

Remember that you can always get help and support regardless of the stage you’re at in your treatment. Before you start to use Wegovy and throughout your time using it, you can speak to your pharmacist or doctor to let them know about the side effects you’re experiencing.

They will always start your treatment on the lowest dose of Wegovy to help minimise your risk of experiencing side effects and give you tips and advice so you can feel better.

Wegovy can be expensive. It is supplied in 4-week dose schedules for at least 5 months. With each supply of Wegovy costing more than £200, this can add up if you are trying to be money savvy or have a limited budget. Before starting the treatment, talk to your pharmacist or doctor about what you can realistically afford. They may be able to suggest an alternative treatment for you.

Although medicated weight loss products like Wegovy can help you achieve your goals, they also need to be used alongside lifestyle changes.

You may find that adding more exercise to your routine and eating a healthier diet could help you lose the weight you want to without breaking the bank. If you need help with these aspects of your life, you can talk to a nutritionist or personal trainer. They can create personalised plans for you and help to hold you accountable throughout your weight loss journey.

Wegovy isn’t a quick fix. You might have seen people have amazing transformations using the medication on social media or online. But, like any other weight loss approach, it can’t give you instant results and needs to be used consistently along with a balanced diet and regular exercise to see change.

Setting realistic expectations could help you stay motivated. In the first few weeks of using the medication, you might not notice any physical differences, but you might start to feel more energetic. This is a positive change that you should celebrate. The longer you spend using Wegovy, the greater the likelihood of your reaching your target weight. Staying the course is the best way to see results.

One of the most obvious reasons for people stopping their Wegovy treatment is that they’ve reached their weight loss goals. This means that they can slowly stop using the medication and rely on lifestyle changes like exercise and a balanced diet to maintain their results.

Although they may be eligible to use Wegovy in the future, at this stage of their journey, the medicine will have little benefit.

If you’re feeling worried or concerned about your life post-Wegovy, it’s okay to talk about it. Your pharmacist or prescription provider will be able to listen and share tips to help you stay on track without the medicine.

Wegovy is a great tool to support weight management. But it is just that. A medical tool that should be used with an ongoing commitment to a healthier lifestyle. Whether cost, side effects or your expectations have affected your use of the medication, you can talk to your healthcare provider about starting again with the right mindset.

Ultimately, Wegovy works best when consistently used over a long period. With the right support, you should be able to use it and get the results that you want.