Are you not losing weight on semaglutide? 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?”
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.
Both Wegovy and Ozempic contain the active ingredient semaglutide, but they serve different medical purposes. Ozempic is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes management, while Wegovy is FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight. Throughout this article, any reference to semaglutide for weight loss refers to Wegovy. Mentions of semaglutide for blood sugar control refer to Ozempic.
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 mimics the GLP-1 hormone, which may help reduce appetite and support blood sugar regulation, based on how the body responds.
In clinical studies, patients on semaglutide lost an average weight loss of 15-20% of their body weight over approximately 68 weeks, when paired with lifestyle changes
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 is Semaglutide Not Working?
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 habits may support long-term weight maintenance for some individuals
- 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 may support overall health during treatment. Speak with your provider if you experience any new symptoms..
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.
Conclusion About Not Losing Weight On Semaglutide
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!
Sources
National Library of Medicine: Once-Weekly Semaglutide for Weight Management: A Clinical Review
Nature Medicine: Long-term weight loss effects of semaglutide in obesity without diabetes in the SELECT trial
National Library of Medicine: Clinical Review (Semaglutide/Wegovy)
WebMD: 15 Things That Slow Your Metabolism
National Library of Medicine: Increased Hydration Can Be Associated with Weight Loss
Important Medical Information and Disclaimers
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendation. Semaglutide is the active ingredient in two FDA-approved prescription medications: Ozempic, approved for improving blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes, and Wegovy, approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight who have at least one weight-related medical condition. Although both medications contain semaglutide, they are approved for different uses and have different dosing schedules. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any treatment plan.
INDIVIDUAL RESULTS VARY
Outcomes with semaglutide treatment vary from person to person. Clinical trial data may not reflect typical real-world experiences. A variety of factors can affect your results, including medication adherence, lifestyle habits such as diet and exercise, metabolic differences, other health conditions, and concurrent medications. No specific result is guaranteed.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Common side effects of semaglutide may include: Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Constipation, Stomach pain, Decreased appetite, Indigestion, Belching or gas, Injection site reactions
These side effects are often mild and may lessen over time. Always inform your healthcare provider about any medical conditions, allergies, and all medications you are currently taking before starting semaglutide. Ongoing monitoring is recommended during treatment.
WARNING: Semaglutide has a boxed warning about the potential risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. Do not use this medication if you or a family member has a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
FDA ADVERSE EVENT REPORTING
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Adverse events may also be reported directly to the manufacturer.
