Individuals aiming to discontinue weight loss injections like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro might find eggs a helpful dietary addition, according to a prominent nutrition specialist.

Adam Collins, an Associate Professor of Nutrition at the University of Surrey, suggests that eggs, being rich in protein and relatively inexpensive, can help address the primary withdrawal challenge associated with these appetite-suppressing medications: regaining weight.

In an article for The Conversation, Collins explains, “There are various reasons people choose to stop using GLP-1 drugs—be it due to cost, adverse effects, or simply having achieved their desired weight.”

“More and more individuals are exploring alternatives to wean off these injections or to replicate some of their benefits through dietary choices,” he notes.

“The fundamental issue with nearly every weight-loss strategy is the potential for weight regain,” Collins emphasizes.

‘Long-term studies of GLP-1 drugs show that once people stop taking them, they regain more than half of the weight they lost.

‘This rebound may be even stronger than other dieting methods because of how GLP-1 drugs interact with appetite hormones.’

But, he added: ‘One surprisingly simple option worth considering – whether you are still using GLP-1 drugs, tapering them down or stopping altogether – is the humble egg.’

Eating more eggs could help people quitting weight loss jabs, a top nutritionist has revealed

This is because ‘they are naturally nutritious, providing high-quality protein that contains all essential amino acids [the building blocks of proteins needed for muscles], along with vitamin D and a wide range of micronutrients’.

‘They are also the most sustainable form of animal protein and among the most affordable,’ he added.

‘One reason eggs matter here is their effect on appetite.

‘Eating eggs has repeatedly shown to help people feel fuller for longer and eat less at later meals, including among people who are overweight or obese. 

‘This is partly because protein in eggs triggers the release of the body’s own GLP-1, while also suppressing the hunger hormone ghrelin.’

The jabs offered on the NHS to treat type 2 diabetes patients, earned praise as a ‘miracle’ slimming injection as it suppresses hunger in this way, aiding weight loss.

Dr Collins added that ‘in this sense, eggs act as a natural GLP-1 agonist rather than a drug’, and hence potentially lower the chances of weight regain.

Eggs can also help people on weight loss jabs, who often lose muscle as well as fat due to an inadequate protein intake.

Research has shown that protein intakes of around 1g per kilogram of body weight or higher is linked to greater muscle preservation.

‘Eggs offer a practical, portion-controlled way to reach these targets when larger meals are unappealing.’ 

The average person eats around 200 eggs a year – roughly one every other day – including those used in cooking and baking. 

Yet, despite their popularity, they have been dogged by claims they’re unhealthy, being blamed for high cholesterol, increased heart rate risk, and, in the past, salmonella.

However, in light of more recent findings, Harvard Health says for most people, an egg a day is safe to eat, and it’s rather what you eat with your egg that matters.

And, promisingly, Dr Collins says pairing your eggs with certain foods can make the effects even more profound.

He said: ‘The effect is amplified when eggs are combined with fibre-rich foods, such as wholegrain toast which further boosts GLP-1 release and brings additional health benefits.

‘Beyond protein, eggs provide nutrients that may people struggle to get enough of. The UK population is generally at risk of low vitamin D intake, particularly during winter.’

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that the body tends to get from natural sunlight, but can also be consumed through food, that if lacking can trigger problems like seasonal affective depression. 

Dr Collins also highlighted a 2025 study that found people taking weight loss medications were deficient in it, along with other nutrients such as calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and vitamin A, C, E and K. 

Obese people may already have deficiencies in nutrients such as vitamin E, selenium and zinc, adding to the problem. 

While he acknowledged eggs ‘are not nature’s Wegovy or Mounjaro’ he said their effects shouldn’t be overlooked.

‘Eggs may be a cost-effective way of addressing nutritional shortfalls, particularly for those using GLP-1 drugs,’ he said.

‘Whether you are considering GLP-1 drugs, currently using them or planning your exit strategy, eggs may turn out to be a quiet ally.’