Is Wegovy effective for long-term weight loss?

For long-term weight loss, sustained treatment in structured services has shown meaningful average reductions, with plateaus that are common in any weight-management journey. Benefits extend beyond the scale in eligible groups, including improvements in metabolic risk factors and, in selected high-risk populations, heart-related outcomes. Services in England typically time-limit access to the medicine within specialist pathways, while Scotland and Wales may frame access and review points a little differently; your team will set expectations locally. If treatment is stopped, some regain is common over time.

What long-term studies show

Evidence from large trials demonstrates that Wegovy can support sustained weight loss when used over extended periods. The STEP 5 trial, which followed participants for two years, found that average reductions of around 15% of starting weight were maintained with continued treatment. NICE highlighted these results when recommending semaglutide, noting that ongoing use helps prevent the rapid regain often seen when treatments are withdrawn too early. These findings confirm that Wegovy is not just about short-term results but can contribute to longer-term change when continued under supervision.

Why plateaus are normal

Even in successful long-term treatment, most people experience plateaus. This is a common feature of weight management, regardless of method. The body adapts to weight loss by adjusting metabolism and appetite hormones, which can slow further reduction. NHS specialists reassure people that plateaus do not mean treatment has failed. Instead, they are often a cue to review habits, adjust activity, or refresh food choices while maintaining the medicine. Wegovy helps by keeping appetite calmer through these phases, making it easier to stay consistent even when progress slows temporarily.

Benefits beyond the scale

Research shows that Wegovy’s long-term effects are not limited to weight. Participants in extended trials experienced improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar control. These changes reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In 2024, the UK regulator extended semaglutide’s licence to include cardiovascular risk reduction in adults with a raised body mass index and established heart disease, based on evidence of about a 20% reduction in major heart events. For NHS services, this positions Wegovy as not only a tool for weight reduction but also a preventive treatment for serious health outcomes.

What happens if treatment stops

When treatment is discontinued, some weight regain is common. Research following participants who stopped semaglutide showed that a significant proportion of lost weight was regained within a year. This reflects how strongly the body defends its weight, and why lifestyle support remains critical. NHS teams prepare people for this possibility, making clear that Wegovy is not a cure but part of a wider system of care. For many, continuing small daily habits around food and movement helps preserve some of the benefits even if the medicine is withdrawn after a set time.

Differences across the UK

While NICE sets the framework in England, access and review points are applied differently in Scotland and Wales. The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) and the All Wales Medicines Strategy Group (AWTTC) issue their own guidance, sometimes with variations in time limits or eligibility. In England, NHS services typically set fixed periods of access, such as two years, after which treatment is reviewed. These differences mean expectations should be set locally, with clinical teams explaining how long treatment is likely to continue and what review points to expect.

The main message

Wegovy can support long-term weight loss, with trials showing average reductions of around 15% sustained over two years when treatment continues under supervision. Plateaus are expected but manageable, and benefits extend to improved blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart outcomes in eligible groups. NHS and NICE guidance emphasise time-limited access and regular reviews, with local criteria varying across the UK. If treatment stops, some regain is common, underscoring the importance of lifestyle support alongside medicine. The main message is clear: Wegovy works best as part of a structured, ongoing plan, helping people achieve and sustain meaningful health improvements over time.