Stages of Noticing Weight Loss

Weight loss usually occurs in two stages: rapid and slow. If you're using Wegovy, Mounjaro, Saxenda, or any other weight loss medication, or if you're relying on hard work and determination alone, you may be eager to know when you can expect to see results.

In this article, we’ll look at the stages of weight loss in more detail, what it might mean, and what you can expect if you are using weight loss medication to help you on your journey.

What are the weight loss stages?

Weight loss typically occurs in two stages: rapid and slow. However, you may find other sources that claim there are anywhere between 2 and 5 stages. Here we’ll focus on two distinct phases, fast and slow.

Stage 1: Rapid weight loss

At the beginning of your weight loss journey, you’ll probably notice it happens pretty quickly. Studies show that weight loss happens rapidly during the first four to six weeks. During this time, you’re likely to notice that your clothes may fit differently and your appearance may begin to change.

Several factors can determine how much weight you will lose at the start of your weight loss journey.

• Age
• Biological sex
• Basal metabolic rate (BMR)
• Body composition

In the first stage, most of your weight loss will be due to water loss rather than body fat. That’s because your body burns glycogen, the stored sugar found in muscles and the liver. When you eat carbohydrates, the body’s main source of energy, it will use what it needs to function and store any excess as glycogen, ready to be used later.

When glycogen stores are used for energy, water is released, leading to a rapid weight loss.

Once your glycogen stores are depleted, you then start burning fat and move onto stage 2 of the weight loss journey. Research indicates that weight loss occurs more rapidly in individuals who follow a low-carb diet compared to those who follow a low-fat diet.

Stage 2: Slow weight loss

The second stage of your weight loss journey is likely to be slower, and you may experience a weight loss plateau, where your weight stops changing.

Weight loss plateaus are common, but they can be frustrating. After the aforementioned reasons for rapid weight loss, plateaus are usually observed after the first 4-6 weeks.

Strategies to manage plateaus

• Adjust your diet: Studies show that protein can help you feel full because it suppresses the hormones that make you feel hungry. Adding protein-rich foods to your diet, such as meat, beans, legumes, and eggs, can be beneficial. Fibre can also help keep you feeling full and aid digestion. Choose foods like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Discover the foods to incorporate into your weight loss journey.
• Increase your exercise: If your weight loss has plateaued but you’re regularly active, it's possible that you’re gaining muscle while losing fat. It may mean that your body shape has changed, but your weight remains the same because muscle is more dense than fat. In this case, there may be nothing to worry about, and you are actually becoming healthier physically. However, if this is not the case for you, you may need to consider increasing the amount of exercise you do, as your body may have become accustomed to your current routine.
• Manage stress: Stress can negatively impact your weight loss journey. If stress is affecting you, consider practising mindfulness meditation or engaging in a hobby that helps keep you calm and relaxed.

Studies have shown that there are multiple influences on the stages of diet. These include the expected diet and physical activity, as well as social influences, personal preferences, and tastes. Previous experiences with weight loss were also identified as influencing factors.

Participants in studies cited that relapses in maintaining weight loss were sometimes due to difficulties in adhering to a weight loss program and resorting to alternative approaches.

What does weight loss look like with weight loss injections?

If you use weight loss injections to support you on your weight loss journey, you may experience a similar pattern.

Average weight loss at 4, 8, and 12 weeks for the main weight loss injections is shown in the table below.

Weight loss in the first 12 weeks can be rapid when using weight loss injections, but plateaus are common, even if you do not use weight loss medication.

If you do experience a weight loss plateau, it’s important to remember:

• Plateaus do not necessarily mean your medication has stopped working
• Plateaus can last for a few weeks to months, but you shouldn’t let them discourage you
• GLP-1 medications are a long-term commitment - even when you’ve reached your target weight loss, you may need to continue treatment to stop you from regaining weight
• If you’re concerned about a weight loss plateau, contact your doctor for advice

Weight loss medications

If you’re looking for a suitable weight loss medication to support you on your journey, Prescription Doctor can offer the following weight loss injections:

• Wegovy
• Mounjaro
• Saxenda

Alternatively, we also provide weight loss pills:

• MySimba
• Xenical
• Alli (Orlistat)

Want to know more about the difference between Mounjaro and Wegovy? Read our guide.

Summary

Typically, there are two stages of weight loss. The first is rapid weight loss, and the second is slow, where it is common for a plateau to occur. These stages are common, whether you use weight loss medication or not, but there are things you can do to help you overcome weight loss plateaus.

Authored By

Leanne Edermaniger

Medical Content Writer

Leanne is a science and health content writer focusing on human health and biology while utilising her solid academic background.

Published on: 05/09/2024

Reviewed By

Dr Giuseppe Aragona

Doctor

Dr. Giuseppe utilises his extensive experience in general practice to ensure the accuracy and safety of the website's content.

Reviewed on: 05/06/2025