Weight-loss injections have transformed the lives of many people who struggled for years to shed excess weight. By suppressing appetite and reducing constant hunger signals, these drugs have helped users lose significant weight when traditional dieting failed. However, a growing question remains: what happens when the injections stop?
GLP-1 medications, such as Wegovy and Mounjaro, work by mimicking a hormone that regulates hunger. For many users, this means the persistent urge to eat fades, allowing better control over food choices. The results can be dramatic, bringing not only physical changes but also improved confidence and wellbeing.
Yet these medications are relatively new, and their long-term effects are still being studied. With around 1.5 million people in the UK paying privately for the injections, long-term use also comes with a heavy financial cost. As a result, many users eventually consider stopping, often with mixed outcomes.
Tanya Hall, a sales manager in the fitness industry, began using Wegovy partly to challenge how her weight affected how she was perceived at work. After starting treatment, she noticed a shift in how people treated her and felt more respected. While the weight loss met her expectations, the early months were difficult. She experienced nausea, headaches, sleep problems and noticeable hair loss, which may have been linked to rapid weight reduction.
Over 18 months, Tanya lost around six stone (38kg). However, every attempt to stop the injections has led to a sudden and overwhelming return of hunger. Within days, she found herself eating far more than expected, leaving her distressed and fearful of regaining weight. Despite feeling the medication now has less effect, she continues using it, worried about losing control without it.
Medical professionals say this reaction is not uncommon. Lifestyle GP Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi explains that stopping GLP-1 drugs abruptly, especially at higher doses, can feel extreme. Hunger signals may return almost immediately, and studies suggest that within one to three years, people may regain between 60% and 80% of the weight they lost.
Ellen Ogley had a different experience. She turned to Mounjaro after her weight became a serious health risk, even requiring her to sign a waiver before surgery. Describing herself as an emotional binge eater, she found that the medication silenced her urges and gave her space to rebuild her relationship with food.
During 16 weeks on treatment, followed by a gradual taper, Ellen lost over three stone (22kg). She focused on nutrition, increased her activity levels and developed healthier coping strategies. After stopping the injections, she noticed some weight returning, which was mentally challenging, but she remained committed to her new habits. Since then, she has continued to lose weight and now reports a total loss of more than eight stone (51kg).
Experts stress that support after stopping medication is critical. UK health authorities recommend at least a year of follow-up guidance to help people maintain their progress through lifestyle changes. However, for those paying privately, such support is not always available.
Doctors warn that without broader changes to food environments and daily habits, many people risk regaining weight once medication ends. As Dr Al-Zubaidi notes, obesity is complex and not simply the result of a single hormone imbalance.
For now, experiences vary widely. Some, like Tanya, feel staying on treatment is the safest option. Others, like Ellen, believe long-term success is possible without ongoing medication. What is clear is that stopping weight-loss injections requires careful planning, support and realistic expectations.
About the author
UK Boards Russian Shadow Fleet Oil Tanker
British forces have intercepted and boarded a sanctioned oil tanker believed to be part of Russia’s so-called shadow fleet during a major operation in the English Channel, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Sunday. The operation, which lasted approximately six hours, involved Royal Marine Commandos, specialist officers from the National Crime Agency (NCA), and support from the Royal Air Force. It marked the first time UK authorities have boarded a sanctioned vessel linked to Russia while transiting through British waters. According to the Ministry of Defence (MoD), the tanker, identified as Smyrtos, has been detained and will remain under close monitoring off England’s southern coast while investigations continue. Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the mission as a significant step in efforts to enforce sanctions against Russia. “This successful operation delivers another blow to Russia and sends a clear message to […]
US and Iran Move Closer to Major Agreement
The United States and Iran appear to be moving closer to a major agreement aimed at easing months of military tensions between the two countries. President Donald Trump announced that a formal deal could be signed on Sunday, although Iranian officials have expressed caution regarding the timeline. In a message shared on social media, Trump stated that the agreement was expected to be finalized soon. He also said that the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important shipping routes for oil and natural gas, would be reopened to all maritime traffic immediately after the deal takes effect. Pakistan, which has played a mediation role in the negotiations, also expressed optimism about the progress made. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said a final agreement could be concluded within 24 hours and noted that preparations were underway for an electronic signing […]
Un nouvel ambassadeur du Brésil prend fonction au Togo
Le ministre togolais des Affaires étrangères, Robert Dussey, a reçu samedi la copie figurée des lettres de créance de Luiz Ivaldo Villafañe Gomes Santos, nommé nouvel ambassadeur du Brésil auprès de la République togolaise. Cette démarche protocolaire marque une étape importante dans la prise de fonctions du diplomate brésilien à Lomé. Elle précède la présentation officielle de ses lettres de créance au chef de l’État, conformément aux usages diplomatiques. L’arrivée du nouvel ambassadeur s’inscrit dans la dynamique de coopération entretenue entre le Togo et le Brésil depuis plusieurs années. Les deux pays collaborent dans divers domaines et affichent leur volonté de renforcer davantage leurs relations bilatérales. À travers cette nomination, Brasília réaffirme son engagement à consolider les liens d’amitié et de partenariat avec le Togo, notamment dans les secteurs présentant un intérêt commun pour les deux nations. Les autorités togolaises […]
FOODIES 228 lance la vente directe de produits locaux
La plateforme FOODIES 228, portée par une coopérative féminine engagée dans la valorisation des produits locaux, a lancé une nouvelle initiative visant à rapprocher les consommateurs des produits transformés au Togo. Dans le cadre de cette démarche, la coopérative prévoit d’organiser chaque mois des journées d’exposition et de vente dans différentes administrations, entreprises et institutions à travers le pays. L’objectif est de promouvoir la consommation locale tout en offrant une meilleure visibilité aux produits issus de la transformation agroalimentaire nationale. Pour cette première opération, les membres de FOODIES 228 ont installé leur espace de vente au sein de la Direction du conditionnement des produits (DCP), située dans la zone portuaire de Lomé. L’initiative bénéficie du soutien du Comité de coordination pour les filières café et cacao (CCFCC), qui accompagne les actions destinées à renforcer la promotion des produits locaux et […]
Le Togo investit 641 millions FCFA dans l’aquaculture
Le gouvernement togolais poursuit ses efforts pour développer le secteur aquacole avec le lancement de la deuxième phase du projet national de développement de l’aquaculture. Un investissement de 641 millions de francs CFA est prévu pour renforcer les infrastructures de production et soutenir la croissance durable de la filière. Cette nouvelle étape vise à accroître les capacités de production piscicole du pays tout en améliorant l’organisation du secteur afin de répondre à la demande croissante en produits halieutiques. Dans le cadre du projet, quatre retenues d’eau seront aménagées dans le village de Hountowou, situé dans la préfecture du Bas-Mono. Ces infrastructures couvriront une superficie totale de 15,53 hectares et devraient offrir de nouvelles opportunités aux producteurs locaux. Grâce à sa proximité avec le fleuve Mono, le Bas-Mono est considéré comme une zone stratégique pour le développement des activités aquacoles. Les […]
La LTPE inspecte 315 écoles du Grand Lomé
À l’approche de la Journée de l’enfant africain, célébrée chaque année le 16 juin, les initiatives se multiplient au Togo pour améliorer le bien-être des élèves dans les établissements scolaires. Cette année, la commémoration est placée sous le thème : « Garantir l’accès universel à l’eau, à l’assainissement et à l’hygiène pour chaque enfant en Afrique ». Un sujet qui met en lumière l’importance des infrastructures sanitaires dans le développement et la protection des enfants. Dans ce contexte, la Ligue togolaise pour la protection de l’enfant (LTPE) a lancé une opération d’évaluation des infrastructures d’eau, d’hygiène et d’assainissement dans 315 établissements scolaires du Grand Lomé. Cette mission vise à dresser un état des lieux des équipements existants afin d’identifier les insuffisances et les besoins prioritaires. Les résultats de cette inspection devraient permettre de proposer des mesures concrètes pour la réhabilitation […]
Related
WHO reassures Tenerife over virus cruise ship
The Director-General of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has sought to reassure residents of Tenerife ahead of the arrival of the cruise ship MV Hondius, where several hantavirus cases have been detected. In a message addressed directly to people living in Tenerife, Tedros insisted that the current situation should not be compared to the COVID-19 pandemic. He stressed that the public health risk remains low and confirmed that no passengers currently aboard the vessel are showing symptoms of the virus. The MV Hondius is expected to arrive at the port of Granadilla, in the Canary Islands, early Sunday morning. The ship’s arrival has raised concerns among local residents following reports of infections and deaths linked to the outbreak. So far, six confirmed hantavirus cases have been identified among passengers aboard the Dutch cruise vessel. One of the infected […]
IVF mix-up fears shake families
Beth and Laura, a British couple, have raised serious concerns after discovering that their two children—conceived through IVF in northern Cyprus—may not be biologically related to each other or to the sperm donor they had carefully selected. The couple chose a donor known as “Finn” from a Danish sperm bank, emphasizing to the clinic that they wanted both children to share the same biological father. Their first child, Kate, was born without raising suspicion. However, after the birth of their second child, James, noticeable physical differences led the parents to question whether the correct donor had been used. Years later, DNA tests confirmed their fears. The results suggested that neither child was related to the selected donor and, more shockingly, that the two children were not biologically related to each other. The discovery left the family distressed and searching for […]
Intermittent Fasting Offers Limited Weight Loss Gains
A large review suggests that intermittent fasting may not help people who are overweight or obese lose significant weight. The practice, which involves fasting on some days and eating normally on others, appears to make little difference to weight loss or overall quality of life. Intermittent fasting includes approaches like the 5:2 diet or eating only within a daily time window of about eight hours. Researchers analyzed 22 studies covering nearly 2,000 adults over periods up to 12 months to compare intermittent fasting with standard dietary advice or no guidance. The findings showed that intermittent fasting produced almost no advantage over traditional diets focused on reducing calories and eating healthier. Its effects were also similar to doing nothing at all, although its impact on quality of life remains uncertain. Lead author Luis Garegnani from Universidad Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires […]
Statins far safer than believed, major study shows
Cholesterol-lowering drugs known as statins, taken by millions of people worldwide, are far safer than commonly believed, according to a major scientific review published in The Lancet. Researchers say patient information leaflets should be updated to reflect the evidence and prevent people from being unnecessarily deterred from using the life-saving medication. The review, funded by the British Heart Foundation and led by researchers from the University of Oxford, analysed data from clinical trials involving more than 120,000 participants. The trials compared people taking statins with those given a placebo. The findings show that statins do not cause most of the side effects frequently listed in medicine leaflets, including memory loss, depression, sleep problems, weight gain and impotence. Reports of these symptoms were almost identical among patients taking placebo pills, suggesting they were not caused by statins. Statins are proven to […]
Period blood test shows promise for cervical screening
Researchers say that menstrual blood could become a practical tool for cervical cancer screening, offering a simpler and less invasive alternative to current testing methods. At present, cervical screening in the UK requires a healthcare professional to collect cells directly from the cervix. However, about one in three people invited for screening do not attend. The proposed new approach would allow samples to be collected at home using menstrual blood absorbed on a specially designed strip placed in a sanitary pad. Charities focused on cervical cancer describe the idea as promising, noting that more comfortable testing options could help improve participation, although they stress that the research is still in its early stages. In some parts of England, the NHS already sends self-sampling kits to individuals who have missed multiple screening appointments. These kits, which use vaginal swabs, are expected […]
Abuse Survivor Begs Elon Musk to Stop Child Exploitation on X
survivor of child sexual abuse has appealed directly to Elon Musk to stop the circulation of images of her abuse on his social media platform, X. The woman, identified only as “Zora” for her safety, said the continued trade of her abuse images online is devastating. “Hearing that my abuse—and the abuse of so many others—is still being circulated and commodified here is infuriating,” Zora said. “Every time someone sells or shares child abuse material, they directly fuel the original, horrific abuse. My body is not a commodity. It never has been, and it never will be.” Zora was first abused by a family member more than 20 years ago. A collection of images from that period has since become widely shared among child exploitation networks. In response, the platform said it has “zero tolerance” for child sexual abuse material […]