What Happens When You Stop Taking Wegovy or Mounjaro

Happy Monday!

One of the challenges of using weight-loss medications like Wegovy or Mounjaro is what happens when you stop. The hunger that felt so manageable on the medication can come roaring back—sometimes faster and fiercer than expected—and many women find themselves unprepared for the shift. New research shows that weight regain after stopping GLP-1s can occur quickly, underscoring the importance of transition planning.

This week, we're also looking at a timely winter safety reminder as Olympics fever hits, why the healthiest diet might be one that evolves with you, and the real reason cold weather makes you sick. Plus, why the waist-to-height ratio is replacing BMI as a better health measure.

As always, we share women’s health and wellness news that’s evidence-based and thoughtfully explained.

Wishing you good health and happiness!
Nicolle
Editor

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For many women, medications like Wegovy or Mounjaro have felt like a long-awaited pause button on hunger and a way to finally breathe around food. But an increasing number of women are now facing the next, less-discussed phase: what happens when you come off.

New research suggests weight regain after stopping GLP-1 drugs can happen quickly — faster, on average, than after traditional dieting. These medications work by powerfully suppressing appetite hormones, and when they’re withdrawn, hunger signals can rebound sharply, sometimes feeling sudden and intense.

As a result, many doctors now emphasize transition planning rather than abrupt discontinuation. Building habits that support fullness—adequate protein, fiber, and regular meals—is the move. Simple, nutrient-dense foods (like eggs, legumes, yogurt, and whole grains) can help stimulate the body’s own satiety hormones while supporting muscle and nutrient needs that may have been strained during rapid weight loss.

The GLP-1s work, but obesity behaves like a chronic condition, and coming off treatment deserves as much support as starting it.

As the Winter Olympics unfold, it’s hard not to feel the pull of the ice — watching those figure skaters gliding effortlessly, the hockey players out there tearing it up. For many families, that inspiration can quickly turn into a casual “maybe we’ll try the pond” moment. Here is your reminder to hit pause for a minute.

Despite freezing air temperatures, most ponds, lakes, and rivers are not automatically safe. Ice generally needs at least four inches of solid, clear ice — formed after several consecutive days and nights below freezing — before it can safely support a person. Moving water, snow-covered ice, and fluctuating temperatures can weaken ice dramatically, often without obvious signs.

Last week alone, multiple people around the country were rescued from icy water, and several others didn’t survive. Authorities continue to stress that river ice is especially dangerous, regardless of how thick it appears.

This is a public service message to stay aware. Before stepping onto frozen water, especially with kids or pets, it’s worth remembering that ice safety isn’t intuitive, and when in doubt, staying off is the safest choice.

Do headlines make it feel like you’re constantly choosing sides? Plants or meat, fiber or protein, olive oil or butter. The latest research points to something slightly more sustainable: plant-forward diets that allow flexibility over time.

A growing body of evidence shows that eating patterns centered on plants — fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and healthy oils — are consistently linked to better long-term health. A 2024 review of nearly two decades of data found that vegetarian and vegan diets were associated with lower risks of heart disease and certain cancers, including gastrointestinal and prostate cancer. More recent studies suggest that how you build a plant-based diet matters just as much as whether you eliminate animal foods entirely.

Two dietary patterns are gaining attention in this newer wave of research:

The Portfolio Diet, which emphasizes cholesterol-lowering plant foods such as nuts, soluble fibre, soy proteins, and plant sterols, has been linked to meaningful reductions in cardiovascular disease risk and overall mortality—even with moderate adherence.

The EAT-Lancet Planetary Health Diet, which inspired much of the updated food-pyramid thinking, prioritizes plants while still allowing modest amounts of meat, dairy, and fish. Following this pattern has been associated with a lower risk of chronic kidney disease and benefits for heart health, blood sugar regulation, and inflammation.

This is where nuance matters. Strict vegan and vegetarian diets can be health-promoting, but they require planning. Experts note that some plant-exclusive diets may fall short in nutrients like vitamin B12, iodine, omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), calcium, and vitamin D — all of which become more important as we age. This is why many physicians now favor a flexitarian or plant-forward approach: mostly plants, thoughtfully prepared, with animal foods used strategically rather than eliminated entirely.

There’s also a life-stage component that often gets lost in the headlines. Research on longevity shows that in very old adults, being underweight and not eating meat is the bigger risk factor. In later life, adequate protein, calorie density, and nutrient absorption are more important than dietary purity.

The takeaway:

You don’t need to choose a permanent label. A plant-based diet focused on whole foods, fiber, and unsaturated fats seems to provide the best protection against chronic disease, especially when combined with enough protein and essential nutrients to support muscle, bones, and metabolic health as your body changes.

Or put more simply: Focus on eating mostly plants, include enough protein, stay flexible, and let your diet evolve with you.