Why Am I Not Losing Weight on Wegovy®? How to Get Results
Key takeaways:
-
Not losing weight on Wegovy® could be due to dose, treatment duration, lifestyle habits, or metabolism.
-
Weight loss plateaus are normal and manageable.
-
If progress stalls, reassess your weight loss plan and make adjustments to your diet, movement, and other habits.
-
You can also talk to your healthcare provider about alternative weight loss medications.
It’s normal to expect steady progress with a new weight loss treatment, and it can be discouraging when the results don’t match your hopes. So, if you’re frustrated with your Wegovy® journey because the scale isn’t budging, it’s valid to seek clarity about what’s happening.
Why am I not losing weight on Wegovy®? We’ll explore why you might not be losing weight on Wegovy® and offer tips to get back on track with meeting your health goals.
This article was reviewed by Lynn Marie Morski, MD, JD.
Image Credit: Munro / iStock.
Common Reasons You Might Not Be Losing Weight on Wegovy®
Wegovy® is one of the brand name medications for semaglutide. It’s a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1) FDA-approved for weight loss.
Wegovy® works by mimicking the body’s natural GLP-1 hormone to:
-
Suppress appetite
-
Slow gastric emptying
-
Regulate blood sugar
These effects support weight loss. Still, Wegovy® doesn’t replace the need for healthy lifestyle habits. Instead, it amplifies your efforts, helping them feel more manageable and sustainable.
The medication may not work the same for everyone, though, and it’s normal to experience lulls in progress. Here are some reasons you might not be losing weight on Wegovy®.
Image Credit: fcafotodigital / iStock.
1. You’re Still in the Titration Phase
Wegovy® starts at a lower dose and then gradually increases, partly to minimize common side effects like nausea, diarrhea, or constipation. These tend to go away as the body adjusts.
Some people don’t experience significant weight loss during this titration period, but do once they reach higher doses — often 1.7 mg (milligrams) or the full 2.4 mg maintenance dose. This dose-escalation phase can last eight to 16 weeks, depending on your schedule.
If this is happening to you and you’re feeling frustrated, try to:
-
Manage expectations. If you’re still at lower doses like 0.25, 0.5, or 1 mg, it’s normal not to see dramatic changes on the scale. For now, the goal is to build tolerance.
-
Look for non-scale progress. Early signs that Wegovy® is working can include feeling less hungry, eating smaller portions, and having fewer cravings. Even if the scale hasn’t moved much yet, these can be signs the medication is starting to have an impact.
-
Prioritize sustainable weight loss over fast weight loss. Once you reach the highest dose, gradual weight loss of about 1 to 2 pounds per week is typical and often easier to maintain long-term. Rapid weight loss can sometimes lead to muscle loss and may be harder to sustain.
Image Credit: nensuria / iStock.
2. Your Diet May Not Be Supporting Weight Loss
GLP-1 receptor agonists like Wegovy® can suppress your appetite. But this doesn’t automatically make you eat the “right” foods. In other words, Wegovy® can make it easier to eat less, but the quality and quantity of what you eat still matter.
Consider these factors when meal planning to support weight loss:
-
Caloric density and hidden calories. Even with a reduced appetite, small amounts of high-calorie foods — like processed snacks, sugary drinks, or fried foods — can add up quickly. Be mindful of beverages, sauces, dressings, and condiments with unexpected sugars, fats, and calories.
-
Nutrient quality. Focus on whole, minimally processed foods, and choose complex carbs over refined ones. Prioritize vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins to support satiety and preserve muscle.
-
Portion sizes and mindful eating. Even if you’re less hungry than usual, pay attention to your body’s fullness cues. Try to eat slowly, savor your meals, and stop when you feel satisfied instead of stuffed.
-
Consistent eating patterns. Skipping meals regularly can lead to weight gain, partly because it can result in overeating later. Aim for balanced meals and high-protein snacks that keep energy steady.
Image Credit: Ridofranz/istockphoto.
3. You Might Need More Physical Activity
Physical activity plays a crucial role in weight loss. In fact, the FDA’s prescribing label for Wegovy® specifically recommends using the medication alongside regular exercise.
Exercise increases the number of calories your body burns, helps preserve muscle mass, and supports mood, sleep, and cardiovascular health — all of which can support weight loss.
Every week, aim for:
-
150 minutes (or 2.5 hours) of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise
-
Or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity
-
Plus a couple of strength-training sessions
You can start gradually, then work toward these goals when you feel ready. As you get more fit, up the intensity and duration of your workouts.
Image Credit: YakobchukOlena / istockphoto.
4. Underlying Medical Conditions or Medications Could Be Stalling Weight Loss
Sometimes, factors beyond your immediate control can make weight loss harder, even with a medication like Wegovy®. For example, certain medical conditions can affect metabolism, increase appetite, or promote weight gain.
Undiagnosed or uncontrolled medical conditions that can impact weight loss:
-
Hypothyroidism. An underactive thyroid can slow metabolism. Symptoms may include fatigue, sensitivity to cold, or dry skin.
-
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This hormonal disorder can cause insulin resistance, making weight loss more challenging.
-
Cushing’s syndrome. This disorder is marked by excess cortisol, which can lead to abdominal obesity and make it difficult to lose weight.
-
Sleep apnea and insomnia. Poor sleep and lack of sleep can disrupt hunger hormones, which can lead to an increased appetite.
Certain prescription drugs can also contribute to weight gain by increasing appetite or causing fluid retention.
Reach out to your healthcare provider to go over your medical history and medications. They can help figure out if these factors are affecting your progress.
Image Credit: brizmaker/iStock.
5. There Could Be Other Lifestyle Factors at Play
Weight loss can be shaped by broader lifestyle habits that don’t necessarily seem connected on the surface. Some (often overlooked) factors that can affect your body’s ability to lose weight:
-
Sleep quality and quantity. Consistently getting fewer than seven to nine hours of sleep can mess with hunger hormones like ghrelin and leptin. This can increase food cravings and result in overeating.
-
Stress management. Chronic stress raises cortisol, a hormone that can promote abdominal fat storage and increase appetite.
-
Hydration. Drinking enough water helps you feel fuller, supports metabolism, and prevents fatigue. Also, thirst can be mistaken for hunger, so staying hydrated might help reduce unnecessary snacking.
-
Drinking alcohol. Alcohol is linked with higher odds of obesity. Some explanations for this connection could be that it tacks on “empty” calories, impairs decision-making, and can disrupt sleep.
Image Credit: JNemchinova/istockphoto.
6. You Might Not Be Following the Medication Schedule and Instructions
Wegovy® works best when taken consistently and correctly. This includes things like:
-
Consistent weekly injections. Wegovy® should be injected once a week, on the same day each week. Missing or delaying doses could cause fluctuations in the drug’s levels in your body.
-
Proper injection technique. Follow injection directions carefully to ensure you’re administering it correctly.
-
Correct storage. Wegovy® should be refrigerated and shielded from extreme temperatures or direct sunlight to protect its potency.
If you’re having trouble remembering doses or feeling uncertain about technique, reach out to your provider or pharmacist for support. They can help troubleshoot and make sure you’re getting the full benefit from your treatment.
Image Credit: Rostislav_Sedlacek/istockphoto.
7. You May Be Experiencing a Weight Loss Plateau
You might notice a plateau at any time during treatment. One study on Wegovy® found that weight loss tends to level off after about 68 weeks.
Temporary stalls are completely normal and often resolve with time. Still, hitting a plateau can be one of the most frustrating parts of a weight loss journey.
A plateau happens when your body adapts to your current calorie intake and activity level, causing weight loss to temporarily stall despite your continued effort.
This may be because:
-
As you lose weight, your body requires fewer calories to maintain your new, smaller size
-
Your metabolism slows down when there’s less mass to support
-
Your body can become more efficient at exercise, burning fewer calories for the same activity
All of this can occur even while taking a weight loss medication like Wegovy®.
Image Credit: Liudmila Chernetska/istockphoto.
What to Do If Wegovy® Isn’t Working
If Wegovy® doesn’t seem to be helping you lose weight right now, don’t get discouraged — there are several ways to get back on track. From checking in with your healthcare provider and exploring other treatment options to fine-tuning your habits, here’s how to support continued progress on Wegovy®.
Image Credit: Prostock-Studio/Istockphoto.
Take Stock of Your Habits
If the scale stops moving, it doesn’t necessarily mean Wegovy® isn’t working — it may just be time to reevaluate your overall approach.
Lasting weight loss comes from a combination of factors, and even small adjustments can help restart progress. So, here are five ways to increase weight loss on Wegovy® if you’ve hit a Wegovy® plateau:
-
Reassess your calorie needs and hunger cues. As your body changes, your appetite and energy needs may shift too. You might not need as much food as before or feel as hungry. Pay attention to your body’s signals — eat when you’re truly hungry, and stop when you’re comfortably satisfied. Tuning in to these cues can help you find a new balance.
-
Move more (or differently). Your body can adapt to doing the same workouts over and over. Changing it up or doing weight-bearing exercises can help. Research shows that combining strength training with cardio is more effective for weight loss and fat loss than either on its own. You can gradually increase your intensity, duration, and frequency too.
-
Fine-tune nutrition quality. Prioritize lean protein, fiber, and healthy fats to support muscle maintenance and satiety. Focus on nutrient-dense, whole foods rather than processed options.
-
Check other lifestyle habits. Sleep, hydration, and stress play major roles in metabolism and appetite regulation. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep, manage stress through mindfulness or movement, and stay well-hydrated.
-
Make sure you’re following the instructions. Store your medication properly, and inject it on the same day each week. Setting a calendar reminder or phone alert can help you stay on track.
Although this won’t necessarily lead to more weight loss, try to stay positive by celebrating non-scale victories. Things like steadier energy, improved moods, better sleep, looser clothing, and fewer cravings are all meaningful signs your body is responding to Wegovy®.
Image Credit: nortonrsx/istockphoto.
Reach Out to Your Healthcare Provider
Navigating a weight loss journey with Wegovy® should never feel like a solo effort — it’s a partnership between you and your healthcare team. “The most successful Wegovy® journeys happen when patients and healthcare providers work together toward lasting, healthy change,” says board-certified physician Lynn Marie Morski, MD.
Regular check-ins are vital for tracking progress, adjusting your plan as needed, and addressing any issues that arise.
How do you know when to reach out for help? Schedule a follow-up with your provider if:
-
You’ve been on the full maintenance dose (2.4 mg) for several weeks with little to no weight loss
-
You’re experiencing significant or persistent side effects
-
You suspect another health condition or medication might be interfering with results
-
You’re struggling with diet, exercise, or lifestyle changes and need extra support
-
You’re feeling discouraged or overwhelmed
Your provider might recommend:
-
Nutrition counseling with a registered dietitian
-
A referral to an exercise specialist or physical therapist
-
Testing for underlying medical conditions
-
Strategies to better manage side effects
-
Alternative medications to support weight loss
Image Credit: Kubra Cavus/ istockphoto.
Explore Other Treatment Options
Patience is an important part of sustainable weight loss. But sometimes, progress truly stalls — even with consistent effort and proper use of Wegovy®. In some cases, it may just not be the right fit for your body.
If that’s the case, it might be time to explore alternative options with your healthcare provider. For example:
-
Other GLP-1 medications. Some people respond better to different medications within the same class of drugs as Wegovy®. For instance, compounded GLP-1 formulations can offer more personalized dosing options.
-
GIP/GLP-1 medications. Medications like tirzepatide (Mounjaro®, Zepbound®) act on two receptors instead of one. They may provide more significant weight loss results for some people.
-
Oral weight loss medications. Oral weight loss medications can complement or substitute for injectable therapy, depending on your health needs.
Remember, Wegovy® is just one tool among many. The right treatment plan is personal. Your provider can help you find the approach that best supports your body, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
Image Credit: Carolina Rudah/istockphoto.
Final Thoughts: Why Am I Not Losing Weight on Wegovy®?
Weight loss with Wegovy® is a deeply individual process. Factors like your starting weight, genetics, metabolism, diet, exercise, and underlying health conditions can influence how quickly — and how much — weight you lose on Wegovy®.
It’s normal for progress to ebb and flow. But if you feel like you’ve made consistent lifestyle changes and still aren’t seeing progress, reach out to your healthcare provider. They can help you make adjustments or explore alternative options that may suit your body better.
Image Credit: CR/Istockphoto.
FAQs
Find answers to common questions about not losing weight on Wegovy® and overcoming Wegovy® plateaus.
Image Credit: Rostislav_Sedlacek/istockphoto.
How long does it take to start losing weight on Wegovy®?
In clinical trials, people taking Wegovy® who also made healthy lifestyle changes lost an average of four percent of their body weight within the first eight weeks of treatment. Most people notice more weight changes after reaching the higher doses (usually around 1.7 to 2.4 mg), which can take eight to 16 weeks — or longer.
Image Credit: peakSTOCK/Istockphoto.
What should I do if I’m not losing weight on Wegovy®?
Revisit your overall plan. Are you eating in a calorie deficit, moving regularly, and staying consistent with your weekly injections? If your progress has stalled despite these efforts, talk with your healthcare provider about dose adjustments or alternative options.
Image Credit: yacobchuk / iStock.
Is it normal to hit a weight loss plateau on Wegovy®?
Yes. Plateaus are a normal part of weight loss. They happen when your metabolism adjusts to a new body weight or habits. If you reassess your calorie needs, switch up your workouts, prioritize sleep and hydration, and stay consistent, you might notice the scale moving again after a few weeks.
Image Credit: Carolina Rudah/istockphoto.
Does Wegovy® work for everyone?
Wegovy® has been shown to help people lose up to (and sometimes more than) 20 percent of their body weight over 68 weeks, when paired with healthy lifestyle changes. But that doesn’t mean it always works for everyone — some may see slower or more modest results. Individual responses can vary based on genetics, metabolism, lifestyle, and underlying health conditions.
Image Credit: stefanamer/Istockphoto.
Are there alternatives if Wegovy® isn’t right for me?
Absolutely. Other GLP-1s like Ozempic® and compounded semaglutide or GIP/GLP-1s like Mounjaro® or Zepbound® may be effective alternatives. Your medical provider can help you explore whether a different medication, dose, or treatment approach might work better for your body.
Related:
Like MediaFeed’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article originally appeared on ForHers.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.