Starting Wegovy can feel like the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for in your weight loss journey. But what happens when the scale doesn’t budge—or worse, when your progress stalls? If you’re wondering, “Why am I not losing weight on Wegovy?” or feel like your results have slowed, you’re not alone. Many people experience a plateau or don’t see immediate changes.
This guide will break down how Wegovy works, what to expect from your weight loss timeline, and common reasons you may not be seeing results. Plus, we’ll cover practical strategies to boost your progress and what to do if Wegovy is not working anymore.
How Wegovy Helps You Lose Weight
Wegovy is a prescription medication that contains semaglutide, a compound that mimics a naturally occurring hormone in your body called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). This hormone helps to regulate appetite, food intake, and blood sugar levels. When you take Wegovy, it helps “trick” your body into feeling full, so you’re less likely to overeat.
Here’s a breakdown of how Wegovy works to support weight loss:
- Reduces Appetite – Wegovy communicates with your brain to tell you when you’ve had enough food, making it easier to stop eating even before you feel too full. This helps reduce cravings and overeating, leading to a natural reduction in calorie intake.
- Slows Digestion – The medication slows the rate at which food leaves your stomach, keeping you feeling satisfied longer after eating. This helps curb hunger between meals and prevents overeating.
- Regulates Blood Sugar – It also stabilizes blood sugar levels, reducing those energy crashes that often trigger cravings. This keeps your energy steady and reduces the urge to reach for unhealthy snacks.
How Long Does It Take to Lose Weight on Wegovy?
As with all medications, individual experiences vary, but most people see gradual results in alignment with the dosage schedule:
- Month 1: During the first month, your body is adjusting to the medication, so weight loss might not be significant right away. You may notice a reduced appetite, but changes may be subtle.
- Months 2-3: As your dosage increases, many people start to see more noticeable weight loss. On average, clinical trials show that you could lose about 5% of your body weight during this time.
- Months 4-6: Once you reach the full maintenance dose of 2.4 mg, weight loss tends to pick up. By the six-month mark, many people experience a 10-15% reduction in their starting weight.
- 1 Year: With continued use and the right lifestyle changes, many people see a weight loss of up to 15-20% of their body weight, making it a powerful part of your long-term weight loss journey.
Reasons You’re Not Losing Weight on Wegovy
If you’re not losing weight on Wegovy but have been taking it consistently, it may be time to examine other factors impacting your progress. Many people mistakenly believe that taking Wegovy alone will lead to weight loss, but lifestyle changes are still essential for achieving the best results.
Below are some common reasons why you may experience a weight loss plateau and how you can address them:
You’re not getting quality sleep.
A lack of quality sleep can disrupt ghrelin and leptin hormonal balance, leading to increased hunger and cravings. Studies have shown that insomnia and poor sleep patterns can contribute to weight gain and make it harder to lose weight, even when taking weight loss medications like Wegovy.
What to Do Instead:
- Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.
- Stick to a regular sleep schedule.
- Practice good sleep hygiene, like reducing screen time before bed and creating a calm, dark environment.
You may need to exercise more.
While Wegovy helps suppress appetite and may reduce calorie intake, it still requires you to be in a caloric deficit for sustained weight loss. Exercise is an essential part of this equation. Not only does regular physical activity help prevent lean muscle loss while on Wegovy, but it also boosts your metabolism, meaning your body will burn more calories and fat even at rest.
What to Do Instead:
- Include cardio exercises like walking, running, or cycling to burn additional calories.
- Incorporate strength training 2-3 times a week to maintain muscle mass.
- Find ways to stay active throughout the day, such as walking more or using a standing desk.
- Get started with these 4 Ways to Start a Fitness Routine for Beginners with Obesity.
You’re not injecting the medication correctly.
If you feel that Wegovy is not working as expected, it could be due to improper injection technique. If the medication is not injected correctly, it may not be absorbed as efficiently, meaning your body won’t receive the full benefits of the medication. Additionally, using the same site repeatedly can cause injection site irritation, leading to less effective results.
What to Do Instead:
- Rotate injection sites between your abdomen, thigh, and upper arm to ensure better absorption.
- Make sure the injection goes into subcutaneous fat rather than muscle.
- Consult with your doctor or pharmacist for guidance on proper injection techniques.
You may need a larger dose.
If you’re not losing weight on Wegovy, it could be because you’re on a lower dose than what your body needs. This is typically done to minimize side effects as your body adjusts to the medication. The maximum dose of Wegovy is 2.4 milligrams per week, and some people may need this higher dose to experience optimal results and maintain effectiveness.
What to Do Instead:
- Talk to your healthcare provider about adjusting your dose to the maximum 2.4 mg per week for enhanced results.
- Gradually increase the dose under medical supervision to avoid side effects
The medication isn’t being stored properly.
Wegovy must be refrigerated to maintain its effectiveness. Improper storage, such as keeping it at room temperature for too long, can cause it to lose its potency. Additionally, once the medication expires, it will no longer be as effective.
What to Do Instead:
- Store Wegovy in the refrigerator at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C).
- Always check the expiration date before using the medication.
- Use an insulated travel case to keep the medication cool if you need to transport it.
You haven’t changed your diet.
Even though Wegovy reduces hunger and helps with portion control, it’s still important to make dietary changes to achieve lasting weight loss. If you’re still eating processed foods and more calories than your body needs, you may not be able to reach a caloric deficit required for weight loss.
What to Do Instead:
- Gradually reduce your calorie intake by cutting back on processed foods, sugary snacks, and high-fat items.
- Focus on whole foods, including lean proteins, vegetables, and healthy fats.
- Following a Wegovy-approved diet can help minimize digestive side effects, making the weight loss process smoother.
You may need to give it more time.
How long does it take to lose weight on Wegovy? It’s important to remember that Wegovy is a gradual process. Some people may not see immediate results at starter doses, and it can take several months to a year to achieve optimal weight loss. It’s not uncommon for people to experience periods where they stop losing weight on Wegovy before seeing continued progress.
What to Do Instead:
- Stay consistent with your medication, diet, and exercise routine.
- Track your progress over time, understanding that it may take longer than you expected.
- If results aren’t happening after six months, talk to your healthcare provider about adjusting your plan.
5 Ways to Increase Weight Loss On Wegovy
If you’re struggling with not losing weight on Wegovy or have experienced a plateau, it can be frustrating. But it’s important to understand that Wegovy works best when combined with certain lifestyle changes.
Below are five actionable ways to increase weight loss on Wegovy and make sure you’re getting the most out of the medication.
1) Focus on a nutrient-rich diet.
While Wegovy can reduce appetite, choosing nutrient-dense foods is essential for weight loss. Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. These foods help you feel fuller for longer and support your calorie deficit. Reducing processed foods and sugar while incorporating healthy fats can further maximize your weight loss on Wegovy.
2) Combine strength training and cardio.
Incorporate both cardio and strength training into your routine. Cardio helps burn calories, while building lean muscle mass throughout even the smaller muscles of your body can prevent muscle loss along with your weight loss. Together, they improve metabolism and ensure healthier, more sustainable results on Wegovy.
3) Build a support system for accountability.
Being able to lean on a support system drastically improves motivation over the long-term. Whether it’s friends, family, or a weight loss group, an accountability partner can keep you on track and offer encouragement during challenging moments.
4) Take care of your mental health.
Mental health can significantly impact weight loss. Stress, anxiety, and depression can lead to emotional eating or lack of motivation. Prioritize stress management through activities like meditation or yoga, and seek support for mental health concerns to stay on track with your goals.
5) Stick to the dosage schedule.
Consistency is key to getting the best results with Wegovy. Missing doses or changing your timing can reduce the medication’s effectiveness. Set a weekly reminder to take your injection at the same time each week, and follow your provider’s recommended dose increases as your body adjusts—this gradual approach helps support steady progress without setbacks.
What to Do If Wegovy Is Not Working Anymore
If you’ve been on Wegovy for a while and notice that it’s no longer providing the same results, don’t panic. It’s not uncommon for people to experience a slowdown in weight loss after an initial period of success.
However, if you’ve been consistently following the dosage schedule, adjusting your diet, and exercising regularly, but Wegovy isn’t working anymore, it may be time to explore alternative solutions. The first step is to speak with your healthcare provider. In some cases, adjusting the dosage or changing your lifestyle may help, but if not, your doctor can help you explore alternative medications or treatment options.
Alternatives to Wegovy
When Wegovy is not working anymore, there are several alternatives you might consider. One option is a different formulation of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy. Compounded GLP-1s may provide a customized solution that could work better for your body’s needs. Another alternative is tirzepatide, a medication that works similarly to semaglutide, but with a slightly different mechanism.
Tirzepatide, which is available in both compounded forms and as brand name Zepbound, has shown promising results in promoting weight loss and could be an effective alternative if Wegovy is no longer providing the results you were hoping for. Discuss these options with your healthcare provider to determine which medication may be right for you based on your weight loss goals, health profile, and lifestyle.
Get Wegovy and Alternatives at OrderlyMeds
If you’re considering Wegovy or its alternatives, OrderlyMeds offers a convenient and reliable option for getting your medication. Whether you’re continuing with Wegovy or exploring alternatives like compounded GLP-1s or tirzepatide (Zepbound), OrderlyMeds provides access to these treatments with ease.
We offer a streamlined ordering process and deliver your medications directly to your door. Before making a decision on which medication is best for you, consult with your doctor, then check your eligibility for a simple, efficient way to get the medication you need.
