If you’re on semaglutide for weight loss and not seeing the results you hoped for, you’re not alone. But, don’t immediately jump to the “semaglutide is not working for me” line of thinking.
Instead ask “why is semaglutide not working for me?”
While this medication can be highly effective for weight management, there are many factors that can impact its success. These may include:
- Dosage
- Adherence to the regimen
- Dietary choices
- Other lifestyle factors
It’s also possible that individual differences, such as metabolism or underlying health conditions, may be at play.
Before giving up on semaglutide, consider what might be affecting your progress and explore potential adjustments to help you achieve the results you’re looking for. Small changes could make a big difference in getting semaglutide to work effectively for you.
How Semaglutide Helps with Weight Loss
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, meaning it mimics the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone. The semaglutide injection triggers a series of responses in the body including:
Essentially, semaglutide works with the body to prevent hunger and stabilize blood sugar levels, helping to reduce cravings and support weight loss by making you feel fuller for longer.
The results speak for themselves with an average weight loss of 15-20% for injectable semaglutide. But, it’s important to remember that the weight won’t just melt away overnight.
These results take time, patience, and a commitment to more than just the medication—it involves consistent effort with diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes to maximize the benefits.
When Can You Expect to See Results?
Are you feeling frustrated as you step on the scale each day, only to see no change? Week 2 on semaglutide: no weight loss. Week 3 on semaglutide, no weight loss. You’ve made it to 6 weeks on semaglutide and no weight loss!
It’s frustrating. But, the truth is, most people don’t start seeing real results until they reach higher doses of the medication. If you’re following the recommended dosing schedule, you won’t reach the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg until 17+ weeks.
Semaglutide isn’t meant to deliver results RIGHT NOW.
While the studies highlighting a 15-20% weight loss with semaglutide are promising, it’s important to remember that these results were achieved over a 12-month period. Weight loss with semaglutide is a gradual process, and you shouldn’t expect dramatic changes overnight.
The first six weeks of treatment are crucial as your body adjusts to the medication and you establish new habits to support weight loss. During this time, it’s normal to see modest changes as the medication begins to take effect.
But, don’t be discouraged if the scale isn’t immediately reflecting your efforts. Consistent progress, even if slow, is still progress.
If you’re just starting on semaglutide or have been on it for a while without seeing significant results, it’s not too late to make adjustments and set yourself up for success.
Our 6-week semaglutide plan lays out what lifestyle changes you should be making week by week:
- Week 0: Finding Your Baseline
- Week 1: Starting Semaglutide for Weight Loss
- Week 2: Adding Exercise to Your Weight Loss Program
- Week 3: Making Lifestyle Adjustments
- Week 4: Increasing Your Semaglutide Weight Loss Dosage
- Week 5: Starting to Feel Real Results
- Week 6: Starting to See Real Results
Even if you’re already 6-weeks into your treatment plan, it’s not too late to start making changes and maximizing your results.
Why am I not losing weight on semaglutide?
Remember, there are a number of factors that impact your results on semaglutide. Your current dosage, your adherence to the regimen, your diet, your exercise routine, etc.
The biggest hurdle? It’s usually unrealistic expectations. Your results will vary week to week, and they likely won’t mirror those of your friend (or your friend of a friend of a friend) who is also taking semaglutide.
Their one-month results may be your three-month. Or vice versa. Remember, the first six weeks are crucial. But, they’re not the end all, be all.
There’s also a difference between “semaglutide is not working for me” and “semaglutide is not working anymore.”
Semaglutide is not working for me
It takes time for semaglutide to take root in your system and start making a noticeable difference on the scale. This is why taking “before” pictures can be so helpful—sometimes, the mirror shows progress long before the numbers do.
Semaglutide is not working anymore
If it feels like semaglutide is no longer working, it could simply mean you’ve hit a plateau. Plateaus are common in any weight loss journey. If it’s a longer lasting plateau, it may be time to adjust your dose or make additional lifestyle changes.
Consult your doctor to discuss why you might not be losing weight on semaglutide and to explore the next steps.
Some weeks will show progress, while others may not. Your journey will be unique to you. Don’t get discouraged just yet.
No weight loss on semaglutide? How to maximize semaglutide weight loss results:
While many on semaglutide don’t NEED to make changes to see results, many do. Whether you’re just getting started or your a few weeks into your weight loss journey with semaglutide, it’s not too late to make changes that can boost your progress.
Lifestyle Adjustments
While lifestyle adjustments may not be required for everyone to see results, incorporating them can still be beneficial. They can help boost your weight loss while on the medication. And, if you choose to discontinue semaglutide in the future, these changes will support long-term weight maintenance and help prevent regaining the weight you’ve lost.
- Eat a balanced diet. Ensure that you’re getting a variety of nutrients that support your weight loss and overall health. Try using the plate method, or MyPlate.
- Add exercise to your routine. Resistance and strength training can be extremely beneficial and help reduce the risk of muscle loss that can occur with rapid weight loss.
- Stay hydrated. This not only helps with muscle function and weight loss, it can help prevent renal issues associated with semaglutide.
Medical Adjustments
No weight loss journey is complete without a healthcare provider, especially when using a weight loss medication. Your doctor can help monitor your progress and make necessary—and safe—changes to your treatment plan.
The semaglutide dosing schedule is designed for maximum efficacy. But, your actual dosing schedule will depend on you and your healthcare provider. If you’re not losing weight, they may adjust your dosage more frequently.
It is also possible there are other underlying issues that are preventing weight loss. Hormonal imbalances or medication interactions could impact the weight loss results you see on semaglutide.
Make sure you’re keeping in contact with your doctor, communicating your concerns and listening to their advice.
Mental and Emotional Support
Weight loss can also be mental. Your weight can impact your overall health and not seeing results can impact your mental health. Stress can also have a significant impact on weight loss success—cortisol can slow your metabolism and make it more difficult for your body to use insulin.
Don’t hold it all in.
You can seek support from your healthcare providers, support groups, or mental health professionals.
Semaglutide not working? Talk to your healthcare provider.
It’s important to work closely with your healthcare provider throughout your weight loss journey. They can help determine if adjustments are needed, whether it’s tweaking your dosage, evaluating other factors impacting your progress, or exploring additional strategies.
Ready to achieve your weight loss goals? Meet with an online provider and start maximizing your results. Register with Heally today!
