Weight loss injections: what you need to know about maintenance dosing
Reaching your weight loss goal is a significant milestone, but what comes next?
This guide explores maintenance (sometimes known as sustain) dosing for weight loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro. It covers finding the right dose, whether the highest dose is always necessary, and what happens if your dose needs to change.
You’ll also learn about stopping these injections, managing long-term weight loss, and working with your prescriber to maintain your progress.
Weight loss injections and maintenance dosing
What is maintenance dosing for Wegovy?
Maintenance dosing for Wegovy is when you take a steady dose (not raising or lowering your dose each month) to keep the weight off after reaching your goal. For most people, this is the highest dose of 2.4mg, but it doesn’t have to be. Your prescriber will decide the right dose for you based on how your body responds, aiming to maintain your progress with minimal side effects.What is maintenance dosing for Mounjaro?
As we’ve covered above, maintenance dosing for Mounjaro is a stable dose to maintain weight loss after reaching your goal. The typical maintenance doses for Mounjaro range from 5mg to 15mg, depending on your individual response to the treatment. While some people may require the highest dose of 15mg to sustain their weight loss, others may find a lower dose sufficient. Your prescriber will work with you to decide the best dose for you based on factors like your body’s response to the medication doses and any side effects you may experience.
Can you still lose weight on the maintenance dose?
Many people continue to lose weight on the Wegovy and Mounjaro maintenance doses, but how much depends on your body’s response to the medication. The primary goal of the maintenance dose is to stabilise your weight after reaching your target, but some people may notice additional weight loss if their calorie intake and activity levels support it. Your prescriber will monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan if needed to ensure the maintenance dose works effectively for you.Is my maintenance dose always the highest dose?
Wegovy
No, the maintenance dose for Wegovy isn’t always the highest dose. While 2.4mg is the standard maintenance dose, not everyone needs it. Your prescriber might suggest or keep you at a lower dose if it keeps your weight stable and reduces side effects.Mounjaro
Again, the maintenance dose for Mounjaro isn’t always the highest dose of 15mg. Some people do well on lower doses, like 5mg, 7.5mg or 10mg. Your prescriber will decide the best dose based on how much your appetite is suppressed and how severe your side effects are. It’s about working with your prescriber to find the right balance for you and your lifestyle.What if the highest dose of Wegovy or Mounjaro doesn’t work for me?
If the highest dose of your weight loss injection isn’t working, it’s time to reassess. Are you still eating healthily? Even small, mindless snacks can add up and disrupt your calorie deficit. Try swapping snacks for healthier options like fruit or yoghurt, and consider keeping a food diary to stay on track. Don’t forget about exercise—being active is just as important now as it was when you started your journey. If you’ve reviewed your habits and still aren’t seeing progress, speak to your prescriber about why the dose might not be effective.Can my maintenance dose change?
Yes, your maintenance dose can change over time. Your prescriber may adjust your dose based on how much your appetite is suppressed, changes in your weight, or any side effects you experience. If your weight fluctuates or you’re not tolerating the dose well, your prescriber might increase or decrease it to find the right balance.Start your weight loss consultation
How do I know once I’ve reached my maintenance dose?
You will gradually increase your dosage of Wegovy or Mounjaro by following a titration path, which helps your body adjust to the medication and minimises the risk of side effects. This slow increase ensures your body can tolerate the higher doses more easily. For example, with Mounjaro, your dosage typically increases every 4 weeks by 2.5mg until you reach your maintenance dose. Your maintenance dose is determined once you have successfully lost weight and can maintain it with the lowest effective dose for you. Your prescriber will guide you through this process, monitor your progress, and let you know when you’ve reached your maintenance dose, hit your goal weight, or are on track to achieve it.
After reaching your weight loss goal: what’s next?
Do I need to keep using weight loss injections forever?
Not necessarily. Some people may need to continue using GLP-1 injections to maintain their weight loss, while others may be able to stop after reaching their goal. It depends on how your body responds and whether you can maintain your weight with diet and exercise alone.Can I stop using weight loss injections?
It’s important to talk to your prescriber before stopping weight loss injections. Some people may stop successfully after reaching their goal, but others may need the injections to maintain their weight loss in the long term. You should not suddenly stop any prescribed medication without discussing it with your healthcare provider beforehand.Can I maintain weight loss without weight loss injections?
Yes, it’s possible to maintain weight loss without Wegovy or Mounjaro injections, especially if you continue healthy habits like eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly. However, some people find that continuing the medication helps prevent weight regain, as it suppresses appetite and helps patients feel fuller for longer.Stopping weight loss injections
Several reasons might lead you to consider stopping your Wegovy or Mounjaro treatment, such as experiencing side effects, the cost, or reaching your weight loss goal.What happens if I stop using weight loss injections too soon?
Stopping weight loss injections too early can result in weight regain. If the underlying habits that helped you lose weight haven’t fully stabilised, your body may start to regain the weight. Working closely with your prescriber is important to determine the right time to stop.Can I start using weight loss injections again after stopping?
Yes, you can start using weight loss injections again if needed. If you experience weight regain or find that your weight is harder to maintain, your prescriber can recommend restarting the injections to help you get back on track.Start your weight loss consultation
Can I go back on the same dose after stopping?
If you decide to start the injections again, you may be able to go back on the same dose you were using before. However, it depends on how much time has passed since your last injection. For Wegovy, if you miss doses for more than FIVE weeks, inform your prescriber. You may need to restart Wegovy treatment with the lowest dose pen to build your body’s tolerance back up. For Mounjaro, if you’ve missed doses for more than THREE weeks, speak to your prescriber. Starting on a high dose after a long period without treatment means there’s a higher chance of severe side effects. However, every case is different, and it’s recommended to always speak to your prescriber for advice on getting the right dose for you after initially stopping treatment.
Maintenance dosing is an important part of using weight loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro. After reaching your weight loss goal, your prescriber will help you find the right dose to maintain your progress with minimal side effects.
Remember, the highest dose isn’t always necessary, and your maintenance dose can change over time based on your response to the medication. It’s essential to work closely with your healthcare provider to ensure your treatment plan supports your long-term weight management goals.
