Losing weight can be difficult through diet and exercise alone can be difficult for many people. Wegovy, a weight loss medication can be used effectively to help you begin losing weight. If you have just started taking Wegovy or you are planning to start soon, you may question when will I start seeing results?
According to the STEP 5 trial, with Wegovy (Semaglutide) you can expect to lose around 5% of your body weight within the first 8 weeks of starting the medication.
When will I see consistent results?
It’s common to lose more weight than expected in the first few weeks, then settle into a slower, more sustainable rate of around 0.5–1kg (1–2 pounds) per week. This can vary week to week, and it’s normal to see periods of no change despite maintaining healthy habits. Studies have shown that people taking 2.4mg of Wegovy for 68 weeks can lose 15% of their weight. Sustainable weight loss takes time, keep focusing on the healthy habits you’re building and progress will follow.
How quickly can it take to see results?
If you are wondering how long does wegovy take to work? Studies have shown that patients using Wegovy can lose around 2% of their baseline body fat within the first month.
However, all weight loss journeys different and this may not be the case for everyone. It is important to note that your weight loss can be impacted by many factors such as dietary habits, physical activity levels, initial body weight, and individual tolerance to the medication. Each of these factors can play a role in how quickly you see results or when you start to experience weight loss.
Why am I not losing weight on Wegovy and what should I do?
Weight loss plateaus can be frustrating, even with GLP-1 medications. While these treatments reduce appetite and help lower food intake, weight loss isn’t always immediate or steady. Many people see quick initial results, followed by a slower, more sustainable rate of 0.5–1 kg (1–2 lbs) per week, with natural fluctuations, including periods of no change.
Sometimes, eating too little can stall progress. GLP-1s may reduce hunger so much that under-eating occurs. This can slow metabolism and hinder further weight loss. You should work towards supporting your body and metabolism. Women should aim for at least 1,200-1,500 calories daily, and men 1,500-1,800 regardless of appetite.
Other factors like stress, poor sleep, and constipation also play a role. If progress stalls, consider reviewing your diet for high-calorie items like processed foods or alcohol. Sustainable weight loss takes time, stay focused on healthy habits, and results will follow.
If you're feeling like you aren’t losing any weight on Wegovy this may be due to not making the right changes to your diet or not exercising enough. Wegovy works best when combined with a healthy diet and increased physical activity tailored to your ability. You should focus on the mental aspect behind losing weight and lifestyle changes, this includes reducing stress, getting enough sleep and staying hydrated. These factors can also impact your weight loss.
Another point to keep in mind is that these positive lifestyle changes will help you in the long-term. Making sure you are setting yourself up with these lifestyle changes will help for losing weight on Wegovy for the long-term, as you may decide to stop taking the medication. You are less likely to gain the weight you have lost back if you have made significant changes to your lifestyle.
If you feel you have already made these changes to your lifestyle it may be time to move up a dose or change your medication. If this is the case, you must contact our Clinical Team who can discuss the reasoning behind this and your options.
Why am I still hungry on Wegovy?
If you are asking yourself “why am I still hungry on Wegovy?” the first thing you should think about is that the active drug in Wegovy semaglutide is supposed to be an addition to your weight loss journey. Hunger is very normal when using Wegovy especially in the first few months of using it. Wegovy helps to reduce your hunger to a level which can feel more manageable for a healthy lifestyle.
However, if you feel that you are still feeling hungrier than you should be whilst taking Wegovy then here are a few reasons as to why:
- While it takes the 4-week period to reach the therapeutic dose of Wegovy, this doesn't guarantee that the same dose will be effective for everyone.
- It is important that you start on the lowest dose for your body to adapt to the new medication you are taking. But the initial starting dose may not have enough effect on your weight loss and appetite. Additionally, you may have been prescribed a dose that is too low for your body’s needs, leading to more hunger cravings.
- If you have been feeling hungry on Wegovy for a while now, it could be time to move to a higher dose or ask our clinical team to review your medication. Most importantly, you must remember that Wegovy does not work overnight, and you cannot expect instant results. Wegovy is a tool to aid in your weight loss, you must make changes to diet and lifestyle in order to achieve your desired results.
