Can Wegovy be used to maintain weight after reaching a goal weight?

Yes — many services use Wegovy for maintenance when it remains clinically appropriate and well tolerated, but continuation depends on local commissioning rules. Some pathways set time limits or review benchmarks; others allow ongoing use if benefits and safety are clear. Whatever the policy, maintenance also relies on stable habits (protein, fibre, steps, simple strength work) so that stopping — if and when it happens — doesn’t trigger rapid regain. Scotland and Wales may frame maintenance reviews slightly differently from England; your clinic will explain the local process.

Why maintenance use matters

Wegovy (semaglutide) can support weight maintenance once a person has achieved their target range, but only under structured clinical oversight. NICE TA875, NHS England’s 2025 weight-management framework, and SMC guidance all recognise maintenance use as valid when benefits remain clear. After weight loss, the body naturally tries to regain energy stores through hormonal and metabolic adjustments. Continuing semaglutide at a stable dose helps counter these signals and stabilise appetite and metabolism while healthy habits consolidate.

How continuation is assessed

Ongoing use of Wegovy after reaching goal weight depends on local commissioning rules. In England, Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) interpret NICE TA875 within their local frameworks. Some services review progress every 6–12 months, others set a defined course (often 12–24 months) before re-evaluation. In Scotland, the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) follows similar principles but frames continuation through hospital-led specialist clinics. In Wales, the All Wales Medicines Strategy Group (AWMSG) and AWTTC support shared-care pathways. Across the UK, the decision is always based on sustained benefit, safety, and patient wellbeing, not arbitrary duration.

The clinical logic behind maintenance

After significant weight loss, hormonal changes increase hunger and lower resting metabolism — a process known as metabolic adaptation. NICE, MHRA, and Nature Medicine (2024) reviews note that continuing semaglutide blunts this rebound effect by maintaining consistent GLP-1 activity. NHS data show that people who maintain therapy under supervision are less likely to experience rapid regain in the first 6–12 months after hitting their goal. Maintenance treatment, therefore, functions as a stabilisation phase — a bridge between active weight loss and independent long-term management.

Typical maintenance dosing

Maintenance doesn’t always require the full 2.4 mg weekly dose. Many people remain on 1.7 mg if that level balances appetite control and tolerability. NICE TA875 supports “treat-to-tolerate” dosing — the lowest effective dose that sustains benefit. NHS services sometimes hold the same dose for several months to ensure stability before considering gradual reduction. The goal isn’t indefinite continuation but safe consolidation. NICE continuation criteria typically require maintaining at least 5% weight reduction or other health improvements (blood pressure, glycaemic control, or mobility).

Lifestyle as the foundation

Even during maintenance, medication works best alongside structured habits. NICE and NHS guidance emphasise daily protein intake, regular physical activity, and adequate sleep as protective against regain. Protein helps preserve lean mass, which keeps metabolism higher, while fibre and hydration aid fullness. NHS clinicians recommend two short resistance sessions weekly — for example, light weights or body-weight exercises — to preserve strength. Small, consistent habits like step counts and portion awareness remain central to keeping results stable once calorie needs change.

How services monitor ongoing use

Routine reviews every three to six months ensure the medicine remains safe and worthwhile. Clinicians assess weight, appetite control, and any side effects, and may check blood pressure or kidney function in older adults or those taking other medicines. NICE guidance also recommends reviewing mental wellbeing and motivation during the maintenance phase, as some people find the shift from rapid loss to stability psychologically challenging. Scotland and Wales include these elements as part of holistic weight-management services, often linking to behavioural or exercise programmes.

When to taper or stop

If goals remain stable and lifestyle adjustments are strong, clinicians may plan a gradual taper rather than abrupt cessation. NICE and MHRA both warn that stopping suddenly can trigger appetite rebound and rapid regain. A slow dose reduction — such as stepping down from 2.4 mg to 1.7 mg, then to 1.0 mg — helps the body adapt. NHS clinicians also review whether new health conditions or medication changes alter the balance of risks and benefits. If semaglutide is discontinued, dietitian support and continued behavioural follow-up reduce the risk of rebound.

Long-term research evidence

Long-term data support maintenance use under supervision. In the STEP-4 extension study and the SELECT cardiovascular trial (Lancet, 2024), participants continuing semaglutide maintained roughly 15% of their baseline weight loss after two years, compared with significant regain among those who stopped. NICE TA875 cites these findings as evidence for considering maintenance when clinically justified. Similarly, SMC and AWTTC reviews recognise that continued therapy sustains metabolic and cardiovascular benefits in those who tolerate it well.

Practical patient advice

People maintaining on Wegovy often benefit from a simple structure:

• Keep the same injection day each week for consistency.

• Plan meals with protein and fibre at each sitting.

• Stay hydrated and monitor alcohol intake.

• Maintain step counts and two brief strength sessions weekly.

• Report any nausea, dizziness, or appetite spikes to your clinician early.

NHS clinicians often remind users that maintenance success is not about constant loss but about holding steady — preserving progress, confidence, and health.

What this means in practice

Wegovy can support long-term weight stability when clinically appropriate and locally approved. NICE, NHS, MHRA, and SMC guidance align: continuation is justified if the benefits remain clear and the person feels well. However, medicine alone isn’t enough — strong daily habits and regular reviews keep the gains sustainable. Maintenance means moving from weight loss to lifelong self-care, guided by routine, awareness, and steady support.