Reaching your goal weight: how maintenance works at Belle

Reaching your goal is a big milestone. The next step is maintenance: keeping your results steady. Most people start by staying at their current dose for about 4 weeks so their weight settles. After that, the usual options are to stay at the dose that's working, step your dose down until your weight holds without active loss (on tirzepatide, by 0.5 to 1 mg every 2 weeks; on semaglutide, in smaller steps your nurse sets), or keep your dose and go longer than 7 days between shots (for example every 10 to 14 days). It varies from person to person. Your provider and care team set the details with you.

Two things called "maintenance"

• The maintenance plan on your intake form. Choosing Stay at my current dose at sign-up puts you on what we call the maintenance plan: your dose doesn't step up each month.
• Maintenance after you reach your goal. This is the plan you and your care team make to hold your results.

They're different things, and neither one is the same as the Microdose plan (see below).

I hit my goal. What now?

Stay at your current dose for about 4 weeks so your weight can settle and stop fluctuating. Then choose one of these with your care team:

• Stay where you are. If your current dose holds your weight, you can stay at it long term.
• Step your dose down slowly. You lower your dose in small steps until you're no longer actively losing and your weight holds steady.
• Keep your dose and space out your shots. Some people go every 10 to 14 days, or every other week, at the same dose.

To start, just message us and tell us you've reached your goal. Changing to a maintenance dose is just a message: there's no visit, call or form. Your care team confirms it with your provider and updates your plan, usually the same day or the next business day.

Is there a typical maintenance dose?

No. Your maintenance dose is whatever dose holds your weight steady without active weight loss, and it's different for everyone.

How do I step down?

• Tirzepatide: lower your dose by 0.5 to 1 mg every 2 weeks, until you're no longer actively losing and your weight holds. Belle's dosage calculator (below) turns that into units for your vial.
• Semaglutide: the steps are smaller, and your nurse sets them for you.

Finding the units for each lower step. How many units you draw depends on the strength of your vial, so always use the concentration printed on the vial you're using now. You can work out the units for each lower dose yourself with Belle's dosage calculator. Let your care team know you're stepping down so your plan and records match. If you're not sure the number is right, message us before you inject.

Can I space out my shots?

Yes, once you've reached your goal. You keep the same dose and go longer between injections, for example every 10 to 14 days or every other week. Until you reach your goal, stay at one injection every 7 days.

If you'd like to try spacing out your shots, message us and we'll help you set it up.

You don't have to space out your shots. Staying weekly at a lower dose is fine too.

Can I switch to the Microdose plan?

The Microdose plan keeps you at a low weekly dose of 3 mg or less of tirzepatide. Step down first: it isn't a jump from a higher dose. Switching is a new order, so your current plan is cancelled and you complete a short questionnaire. Message us and we'll send you the link. See What is microdosing a GLP-1? for how the plan works.

Can I just stop?

You can stop without tapering, but we usually recommend stepping down first, because it helps you hold your results. After stopping, appetite often returns and some weight regain is common. That's normal biology (your body defends its weight), not a lack of willpower. The same habits below help whether you're on medication or off it.

If you stop and later want to restart, how you restart depends on how long it's been since your last shot. See What if I miss my scheduled injection day? for the restart guidance.

How long does maintenance last?

As long as it's working for you. Some people stay on a maintenance dose long term, and others step down and come off over time. The brand-name versions of these medicines are approved for long-term weight management.

My appetite came back after I lowered my dose

Some return of appetite is common when your dose comes down. Protein at every meal, fiber, and regular meals help. If hunger is hard to manage, or the scale keeps climbing, tell us and we'll get your provider's view.

My weight is creeping back up

Small ups and downs are normal, so watch the trend, not the daily number. If your weight is still climbing after 2 to 4 weeks, message us and we'll get your provider's view on your plan.

If your weight keeps climbing as you step down, the lower dose may be too low for you. A common approach is to move back up gradually, lose the regained weight, and then try stepping down again after you've held your goal weight for several weeks.

Side effects on your current dose

Tell your care team before your next injection. Common triggers are a dose that's too high, not enough protein before injecting, dehydration, not eating enough, or overeating and heavy, processed or fatty foods. Your care team can lower your dose or talk through options. See GLP-1 side effects and what's normal.

Don't jump back to the starting dose on your own. Your provider will tell you what to restart at.

Does maintenance change my price?

No. Your price doesn't change with your dose.

I'm using less medication. What about my shipments and my vial?

• Shipments: if your supply is lasting longer, you can pause your plan or move your next renewal in the patient portal. Open Treatments (on your phone, My Plan), choose your plan under Your plans, then use Pause plan or Adjust renewal. You can also message us and we'll move the date for you. See How to delay, skip, reschedule, or change your next shipment date.
• Your vial: use each vial only up to the beyond-use date (BUD) printed on its label, never after it. You don't have to throw it away at 28 days. See Your GLP-1 plan: dose, storage, and when to reach out.

Lock in lifestyle habits

• Regular meals with lean protein, fiber, and non-starchy vegetables.
• Minimize liquid calories and processed snacks.
• At least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, including strength training.
• Quality sleep (7 to 9 hours).
• Weigh yourself weekly and track trends, not daily fluctuations.

Support while you maintain

• Free messaging with your care team, any time.
• Want to talk it through? We can book you a call with a nurse.
• Our dietitian hosts a free weekly live webinar.

Need help? Message us anytime in Messages (on your phone, tap the chat bubble).