Why am I not losing weight on Wegovy?

Why am I not losing weight on Wegovy?

When it comes to weight management, understanding why you might not be losing weight when using Wegovy is essential. In this article, we will look into Wegovy including how it helps with weight loss and the typical time you can expect to see results. We'll also explain the impact of diet and lifestyle on your progress and highlight other key factors that could influence your weight loss success with Wegovy. Wegovy is a useful medication for helping people lose weight, however, results can vary and knowing why this may be happening can help to put your mind at ease. 

Key Takeaways

Here are the 5 biggest takeaways from this article about Wegovy and why you may not be losing weight when using it:

• Wegovy targets specific areas of the brain to reduce appetite and manage blood sugar levels.

• It can take up to 20 weeks to see significant weight loss with Wegovy, with clinical trials showing an average of 15% body weight loss by week 68.

• Making dietary changes such as reducing calorie intake (1,200-2,000 calories/day), consuming fruits and vegetables, and engaging in regular exercise can enhance weight loss results with Wegovy.

• While there's no set calorie target, Wegovy helps reduce appetite, making it easier to achieve a calorie deficit.

• People with pre-existing metabolic conditions like type 2 diabetes may experience slower weight loss with Wegovy.

How does Wegovy work?

Wegovy works by targeting specific areas of the brain that regulate appetite, according to the British Heart Foundation. It increases feelings of fullness and reduces hunger, helping to lower the desire for food. Wegovy also aids in managing blood sugar levels by promoting insulin release when blood sugar is high. This mechanism is similar to the medication Ozempic which is used to treat type 2 diabetes. By influencing your appetite and blood sugar, Wegovy supports effective weight loss.

How long will it take before I lose weight on Wegovy (semaglutide)?

Wegovy, which contains the active ingredient semaglutide, is a medication belonging to a group known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1). It is designed to work gradually in the body and results are not immediate. When taken properly, Wegovy has been shown to be very effective in aiding weight loss. Clinical trials indicate participants lost an average of 15% of their body weight by week 68 when taking a weekly dose of 2.4 mg of semaglutide. It can take up to 20 weeks before you notice any significant results and many people begin to notice weight loss within the first few weeks of starting Wegovy. 

Can diet and lifestyle changes help me to maximise weight loss on Wegovy?

Yes, diet and lifestyle changes can help to maximise the amount of weight you lose when you are using Wegovy. Here are some of the ways changes to your diet and lifestyle can help you get the desired results when using Wegovy:

Healthy Diet

To get the best results when using Wegovy you should eat a reduced-calorie diet of at least 1,200 calories per day that includes lots of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Getting Active

Studies have shown that being active whilst using Wegovy can help to improve the quality of your results, according to the British Heart Foundation. Exercise is key to losing weight and this is still the case when you are using Wegovy.

Improve Sleep & Reduce Stress

You may not think about it, but getting plenty of sleep and reducing your stress levels can actually help you to lose more weight when using Wegovy. Wegovy themselves say that you should make your health a priority when using their medication, including your sleep and stress levels.

Do I need to be in a calorie deficit to lose weight with Wegovy?

While there is no set calorie target when taking Wegovy, you are likely to consume between 1,200 and 2,000 calories per day due to the medication's impact on lowering appetite. Wegovy works by interacting with the brain to reduce hunger, helping you eat fewer calories. In general, a calorie deficit is required for weight loss. Wegovy makes it easier for you to achieve a calorie deficit by helping you consume less calories. If you find that Wegovy is making it difficult to eat enough calories to support your body’s primary functions, it’s important to speak with your doctor or prescribing pharmacist. 

Can a weight loss plateau stop me from losing weight when taking Wegovy?

A weight loss plateau is a period during which you stop losing weight despite continuing with your diet and exercise regimen. This is a common occurrence in many weight loss journeys, including when using medications like Wegovy. Initially, you may experience significant weight loss, but over time, your body can adjust to the medication and the weight loss may slow down or stop. 

Wegovy is known to eventually reach a weight loss plateau, however, the duration it lasts for and how it affects your particular weight loss will vary. It is important to continue using your medication, exercising and sticking to your diet when you believe you are experiencing a plateau as it will eventually pass (Berman & Seladi-Schulman, 2024).

Can the dose strength of Wegovy that I am taking affect how hungry I feel?

Yes, the dose strength of Wegovy can affect how hungry you feel. After five months of gradually increasing the dose, you will reach the maximum dose of 2.4 mg. At this point, you are likely to experience the greatest reductions in hunger and appetite. Wegovy is a long-acting medication, and it can take up to eight weeks to reach a steady state where your hunger levels stabilise. 

During the initial months, you might still experience fluctuations in hunger. If you persevere and make positive changes to your diet and lifestyle, you are more likely to reach your weight loss goals once the medication reaches its full effectiveness.

Can an underlying health condition stop me from losing weight when I use Wegovy?

Yes, an underlying health condition can impact your ability to lose weight while using Wegovy. Research indicates that individuals with pre-existing metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, may lose less weight on GLP-1 medications like Wegovy (Mayer & Seladi-Schulman, 2024). If you have an underlying health condition it may be more difficult to achieve the same weight loss results with Wegovy as someone without the condition. It’s important to work closely with your healthcare provider to address any underlying health issues and to tailor your treatment plan accordingly.

Should I only take Wegovy as prescribed by my doctor to improve my weight loss results?

Yes, it is essential to take Wegovy only as prescribed by your doctor to achieve the best weight loss results. Wegovy is a medication that requires careful dosage adjustments and monitoring by a healthcare professional. Taking it as prescribed ensures that you receive the appropriate dose to maximise its effectiveness while minimising potential side effects.

Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Alexis Missick MBChB. MRCGP
GMC reference no: 7151419
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Website

Sources

The Science to Obesity | Wegovy™ (semaglutide)

Tips for Your Weight-Loss Journey | Wegovy™

Weight-Management Tools | Wegovy™