Why am I not losing weight on Wegovy?

In this article:

• Why Wegovy might not be working for weight loss
• Common mistakes when using Wegovy for weight loss
• How to maximize weight loss while on Wegovy
• Expert takeaway

In this article

• Why Wegovy might not be working for weight loss
• Common mistakes when using Wegovy for weight loss
• How to maximize weight loss while on Wegovy
• Expert takeaway

For many people, Wegovy (semaglutide) has become a reliable tool to support long-term weight loss. It’s a once-weekly injectable medication that works by mimicking a natural hormone to reduce appetite. Although clinical trials show GLP-1 receptor agonists like Wegovy are effective for people with obesity or who are overweight, real-world results may vary. Some people lose weight more slowly than expected or hit a plateau after a while. Oftentimes, dosing and everyday habits, among other factors, can affect results. 

Why Wegovy might not be working for weight loss

There could be several reasons why you’re not losing weight on Wegovy. Although some factors are outside of your control, others relate to how the drug is taken and your eating or exercise habits. 

RELATED: Wegovy facts and statistics

Incorrect dosage 

Wegovy needs to be taken at the right dose to work. Treatment usually starts at 0.25 mg once weekly and increases every four weeks until reaching a maintenance dose of 1.7 mg or 2.4 mg per week. Staying on a lower dose for too long might not control your appetite enough to see the weight-loss results you’re hoping for. You’ll want to ensure you’re not only taking the right dose but also taking it on the right day and rotating injection sites.

DOWNLOAD THIS WEGOVY DOSAGE CHART FOR FREE 

Incorrect administration

In line with getting the right dose for maximum effectiveness, it’s important to administer the medication correctly. The medication should be injected under the skin once per week on the same day. Make sure to press the pen firmly against the skin until the yellow bar stops moving, or else you might not get the full dose. It also helps to rotate injection sites to avoid skin irritation. 

Improper storage

Wegovy needs to be stored properly to maintain its effectiveness. It should be kept in the refrigerator before using it for the first time. If necessary, the pen can be stored outside of the refrigerator for up to 28 days. After 28 days, the medication may start to lose effectiveness. In addition, storage in extreme hot or cold weather conditions may decrease how well Wegovy works. 

Individual genetic differences

Not everyone may respond to Wegovy the same, as a person’s genetic makeup can influence how well Wegovy works for them. If you have certain variants of the gene that codes for the GLP-1 receptor, which is the drug’s target, you might notice slower progress. 

Hitting a weight-loss plateau over time

When taking Wegovy, some individuals may find that their weight loss progress stalls after a period of time, even with a consistent diet and exercise plan. They might experience a weight loss plateau due to the body adapting to the medication. At this point, a healthcare provider may recommend a higher dose (if you’re not already on the max dose), a different medication, or other lifestyle changes. 

Inadequate duration of treatment

If you just started treatment with Wegovy, you might have unrealistic expectations of immediate weight loss. In reality, it can often take several weeks or months to notice changes in body weight. Based on clinical trials, most patients don’t see maximum weight loss results until up to 68 weeks after starting treatment. 

Underlying health conditions

Certain health conditions can make it harder to lose weight while taking weight loss medication. Conditions like hypothyroidism and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can slow metabolism and counteract the drug’s effects. Mental health problems, like depression and anxiety, can sometimes lead to emotional eating and reduced motivation to take Wegovy consistently. Managing these medical conditions could make Wegovy more effective and help you see better results. 

Chronic stress

Long-term stress can often work against weight-loss goals on Wegovy. Elevated cortisol levels can trigger cravings, increase food intake, and encourage the body to store fat, particularly around the stomach area. Stress can also drain energy and motivation, which can make it harder to stick to a reduced-calorie diet and exercise plan.

Lack of sleep

Not getting enough sleep can also affect weight loss, even when using medications like Wegovy. Poor sleep can disrupt hormones that control hunger and fullness, which may lead to increased cravings for high-calorie foods. Sleep deprivation can also increase the stress hormone cortisol, which is associated with fat storage. In addition, fatigue from poor sleep may decrease your drive to exercise and eat well.

RELATED: Does Wegovy make you tired?

These are just some of the many reasons, often outside your control, that can make it hard to get optimal results from Wegovy. 

Common mistakes when using Wegovy for weight loss

A lot of people may not realize that their habits are getting in the way of their progress. Mistakes may be easy to overlook while using Wegovy for weight loss. These mistakes are usually preventable, especially with the right guidance and support. 

Not sticking to dietary changes 

Although Wegovy can reduce appetite, weight loss still depends on being in a calorie deficit: taking in fewer calories than the body uses. For example, not having a healthy diet while regularly indulging in sugary drinks like soda and energy drinks can counteract the medication’s benefits. Healthy dietary habits that involve eating whole foods like lean proteins and vegetables can help support weight loss. 

Lack of regular exercise

Regular exercise is a key part of losing and maintaining weight loss with Wegovy. Not getting enough physical activity may lead to slower results or a plateau, as exercise helps burn calories that could otherwise be stored as fat. Without consistent, healthy lifestyle changes, it may be harder to see results.

Overlooking the importance of hydration 

Many people often forget that drinking enough fluids helps regulate metabolism to support weight loss. Even being slightly dehydrated may slow metabolism, increase appetite, and affect your energy levels. Those with a higher body mass index (BMI) may be more likely to be inadequately hydrated, which could affect overall weight loss results.

Skipping follow-up appointments with healthcare providers

Starting Wegovy for weight loss is more than just taking a weekly shot: It’s a commitment that includes regular check-ins with doctors. Follow-ups are needed to track progress and adjust the treatment plan if needed. Skipping visits could delay changes in dosage that might be needed to promote weight loss.

Stopping the medication prematurely

Discontinuing Wegovy, especially without maintaining a balanced diet and exercise, may lead to weight gain. It may be discouraging to experience side effects or not see immediate results, but most people see their desired results after staying on the medication for several months or longer. 

RELATED: How long do you take Wegovy for weight loss?

Oftentimes, you can prevent mistakes before they occur to see the best results. Keeping the above potential scenarios in mind could help improve your chances of success with Wegovy. 

How to maximize weight loss while on Wegovy

There are several Wegovy tips and strategies you can try in order to maximize weight loss.

Seek support for psychological problems

Mental health can be a big part of losing weight. That can often mean managing stress, anxiety, and depression, which can sometimes lead to emotional eating. Seeing a therapist or joining a support group may help make weight loss more manageable. 

Gradually increase physical activity

Physical activity is one of the most important parts of losing extra weight and maintaining muscle mass. Sometimes, it’s better to start slowly and then increase the intensity. A combination of exercises, including strength training and aerobic exercise, can help boost energy levels and improve overall health.

Use a food journal for tracking

Keeping track of dietary habits can be helpful, especially at the start of treatment with Wegovy. A food journal can help you monitor calorie intake and make dietary changes as needed. You might also be more aware of patterns that may be hindering your weight-loss goals.

Plan meals in advance

Planning meals ahead of time can help prevent impulsive eating and ensure you’re eating a balanced, nutritious diet. Without a set plan or schedule, you may be more likely to grab an extra snack or two with calories that could add up throughout the day. Eating whole foods and a high-protein diet can help regulate blood sugar levels and manage hunger.

Celebrate small victories

Weight loss isn’t always a straight line of progress, and it can be helpful to recognize small wins, no matter how small, to stay motivated. Losing weight is not an easy feat, so remember to celebrate your achievements along your weight loss journey. It can help to use a Wegovy weight loss tracker so you can track your results and see how far you’ve come in achieving your weight-loss goals. 

DOWNLOAD THIS FREE WEGOVY WEIGHT LOSS TRACKER TO MONITOR YOUR PROGRESS

Know what to do if you miss a dose

If you miss your Wegovy dose and your next scheduled dose is more than two days (48 hours) away, take the missed dose as soon as you can. If it’s less than two days away, skip the missed dose and just continue with your regular dosing schedule. 

If you miss two or more doses in a row, ask your healthcare provider what they recommend. They’ll advise you to either go back to your usual dosing schedule or, if necessary, restart the dose escalation schedule to help reduce potential side effects. It’s all about staying on track and getting back to your routine without doubling up on doses.

Expert takeaway 

“Slower results and plateaus with weight loss are common with Wegovy, but that doesn’t mean the drug has stopped working,” says Gerardo Sison, Pharm.D., member of the SingleCare Medical Board. “In many cases, it can be a matter of making sure to stick to healthy habits like eating right and keeping stress under control, in addition to following up with a healthcare provider and storing the drug correctly.”