What Happens when you stop using weight loss injections?

Dr Elise Dallas, a GP at The London General Practice and lead of its doctor-led weight loss service, stresses that coming off weight loss injections should be a carefully planned, gradual process rather than an abrupt stop.

Drawing on emerging research showing that many patients rapidly regain weight and see health markers such as blood sugar and cholesterol return to baseline within around one to two years of stopping GLP‑1 medications, she highlights the need for long-term medical support and realistic expectations from the outset.

At The London General Practice, patients are first given a comprehensive 45‑minute assessment, including detailed medical history, lifestyle review and body composition analysis, to ensure these medications are appropriate and to set up a sustainable plan beyond the injections themselves.

Dr Dallas explains that GLP‑1 weight loss jabs such as semaglutide and tirzepatide work by mimicking a natural hormone that signals fullness, reduces appetite and slows gastric emptying, often improving blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol at the same time.

However, once people stop these medications, appetite usually returns within eight to twelve weeks, gastric emptying speeds up, and without solid lifestyle changes, weight and metabolic risk factors commonly drift back to pre-treatment levels. She therefore advises tapering dose or frequency rather than stopping suddenly, while simultaneously embedding “muscle-saving” habits like regular strength training and higher protein intake to protect muscle mass and metabolism.

“GLP-1 is a natural hormone within our body and the problem is, when it’s natural, it degrades within a few seconds or a couple of minutes so it’s not long-term” Dr Elise Dallas

At The London General Practice, this medical and lifestyle support continues through regular follow-up consultations, online or in person, helping patients maintain healthy habits and track detailed body composition over time.

To discuss a personalised plan for coming off weight loss injections safely and sustainably, contact The London General Practice on 020 7935 1000 or email us here.