5 reasons why you’re not losing weight on Wegovy, from an expert
Wegovy is an obesity medication that’s available on the NHS via weight management services like Oviva. It has been proven to be effective when combined with lifestyle changes like dietary improvements and increased physical activity.
However, it’s not uncommon for new users to ask: why am I not losing weight on Wegovy? In this article, reviewed by a healthcare expert, we’ll explore possible reasons for this and explain how you can speed up weight loss.
Key Takeaways
- Wegovy is an effective weight loss medication – it’s important to have realistic weight loss goals and focus on long-term change over immediate results.
- Your weight loss outcomes can be impacted by factors like the length of time you’ve taken the medication, your lifestyle and other medical conditions you may have.
- It’s essential to set realistic expectations and to focus on sustainable weight loss.
Oviva can support you on your weight loss journey, providing expert advice on issues such as diet, exercise, mental health, and managing side effects.
5 reasons why you’re not losing weight on Wegovy
In the sections that follow, you can explore some of the biggest reasons why you’re not losing weight on Wegovy or not seeing the results you expected:
1. Not enough time has passed
Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, gets to work in the body within a few days, but you’ll start on a low dose and gradually increase up to the maintenance dose over a period of several months. Some people do not experience the appetite suppression effects and increased feelings of fullness immediately, so you may need to give the medication more time.
If you’re near the beginning of your treatment and on a relatively low dose, your weight loss results may improve as you move up to a higher dose. Try to remember that weight loss is different for everyone, and it’s better to aim for sustainable weight loss over time rather than fast results.
2. You have other health conditions
There are a variety of weight-related health conditions that make it more challenging to lose weight. For example, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can make weight loss more difficult due to insulin resistance, while depression may make it challenging to stick to lifestyle changes. Some medications, like insulin and steroids, are also associated with weight gain.
If you have other health conditions to manage, it’s important to be kind to yourself, focus on holistic health improvements, and look after your mental health. With Oviva, you’ll have a coaching team that can provide support as you develop a plan to manage your needs.
3. You’re still adjusting to lifestyle changes
Wegovy is effective when combined with lifestyle changes, such as an improved diet and increased levels of exercise. If you’re not experiencing weight loss while taking the medication, you may still be in the process of fully adjusting to these lifestyle changes.
Altering your eating habits is never easy, but it’s possible, especially with the right support. Similarly, increasing your activity levels can also be challenging. You may need to begin with very small adjustments and build up to more intense exercise. You also need to be realistic with your expectations, and you should reach out to healthcare professionals for assistance.
4. Side effects are hindering weight loss
Wegovy has some side effects, and for many people, these side effects are at their worst during the early stages of treatment. Some of the most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, stomach pain and fatigue.
These side effects have the potential to hinder your weight loss efforts. For instance, vomiting, diarrhoea and other digestive issues may make it difficult to judge how much you should be eating, while feelings of fatigue may make healthy meal preparation harder. All of these side effects can make it more challenging to increase your activity levels and engage in exercise.
Most people see improvements in side effects as they continue to take the medication. You should talk to the healthcare professionals supervising your treatment if you have concerns.
5. You need better quality sleep
Most people associate weight loss with diet and physical exercise, but sleep is vital and can impact how long Wegovy takes to work.
The medical community still does not fully understand the relationship between sleep and weight loss, but research shows people who fail to get enough sleep are more likely to be above the healthy weight range. The NHS highlights a number of possible links, including poor-quality sleep affecting appetite and mood and increasing sedentary behaviour.
The NHS also recommends aiming for 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
Can I speed up weight loss on Wegovy?
Before trying to speed up your weight loss efforts, it’s vital to set realistic expectations.
The NHS suggests trying to lose weight at a rate of around 1-2 lbs (0.5-1 kg) per week. Some people may benefit from faster weight loss in the early stages, but this should be supervised by healthcare professionals. Other people, such as those with polycystic ovary syndrome, may find it difficult to consistently achieve a weight loss of 1-2 lbs per week because of their symptoms.
You should consider what typical weight loss results on Wegovy look like. It’s also important to remember that even small amounts of weight loss can benefit your health.
Oviva patient success stories:
-22kg
Heidi (53)
-25kg
Martin (34)
-32kg
Patricia (53)
What to do if you’re worried you’re not losing enough weight
If you’re concerned or confused about the rate of your weight loss on Wegovy, you should speak to the healthcare experts supervising your treatment.
If you’re receiving the medication via Oviva, you’ll have access to a coaching team. This team of experts can advise you on the steps you may be able to take to improve your weight loss results while taking Wegovy or overcome a weight loss plateau.
Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including eating a nutrient-rich diet and increasing the amount of exercise you get, can usually help. Nevertheless, your efforts should be sustainable, and you should avoid aiming for unassisted, rapid weight loss using crash diets or quick fixes.
Discover more tips to lose weight sustainably for long-term effects.
You can adopt a plan tailored to your needs by working with healthcare professionals. Setting broad health goals rather than focusing solely on weight loss is also a good idea. As you start to see wider health benefits, it can help you to stay motivated.
Are you eligible for Wegovy?
Wegovy can be prescribed via the NHS if you’re eligible for referral to an approved weight management service, like Oviva. To be eligible, you must have:
- A BMI over 30 (or 27.5 if you’re from an ethnic minority background).
- At least one weight-related comorbidity (e.g., asthma, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, depression, acid reflux, polycystic ovary syndrome, sleep apnoea or high blood pressure).
- Previous unsuccessful attempts to lose weight using conventional means (e.g., diet and exercise or services like the NHS Digital Weight Management programme).
The Oviva programme provides personalised care, assisting you with weight loss and longer-term weight management. You’ll have access to expert advice from dietitians, doctors, nurses and psychologists, while the Oviva app provides tools to track food, exercise, mood and more.
Monitor your goals
Receive personalised recommendations to help you to work towards your goal. Log your food, mood, water intake, exercise and other health metrics using the Oviva app.
Keep a food journal
Snap photos of your daily meals effortlessly within the Oviva app.
Get meal analysis
Get an in-depth meal analysis instantly with a daily summary of your diet.
Stay connected
Connect with your Oviva coach anytime through the app.
Browse learning resources
Written by Oviva’s team of experts, explore advice on nutrition, exercise, and motivation to guide you through the programme and maximise long term weight maintenance.
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