Why Am I Not Losing Weight on Wegovy?

Wegovy (semaglutide) is one of the most popular weight loss treatments available in the UK, but it isn’t an overnight solution. While Wegovy's before-and-after results are impressive, everyone’s journey is unique and may have its own peaks and troughs along the way.

One of the common stages of weight loss is known as a plateau, and occurs when there is no movement on the scales over a period of time. While this is completely normal, a prolonged plateau could be a sign that the medication isn’t working as it should. If this is happening to you, don’t worry, as we’re here to give you tips and advice to overcome it and get back on track.

So, if you’re wondering, ‘why am I not losing weight on Wegovy?’, keep reading to find out the seven most common reasons along with tips and tricks to help you reap the Wegovy benefits again and become a healthier version of you.

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How Much Weight Can You Lose on Wegovy?

Wegovy is one of the most effective and popular weight loss injections available, with research showing it can help you lose up to 15% of your body weight after 68 weeks at the highest dose. However, for optimal results, it should be paired with lifestyle changes, such as a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

In another 68-week trial, the average weight loss with 2.4mg of Wegovy was 16%, compared to 5.7% with a placebo. Notably, 86.6% of participants lost at least 5% of their starting body weight by the end of the trial.

How Fast Do You Lose Weight on Wegovy?

Semaglutide starts working immediately, with some people reporting reduced appetite within days. Weight loss depends on individual response, but clinical trials give insight into when you may notice the stages of weight loss. One study found an average weight loss of 2–3% within one month of using Wegovy.

However, it can take 17 weeks or more to reach the maximum maintenance dose – the most effective strength for weight loss – so don’t worry if it takes you a little longer to see results. Everybody’s Wegovy journey is unique, and there is no set amount of weight you should be losing within a specific time.  

Reasons You’re Not Losing Weight on Wegovy

Achieving your weight loss goals while using Wegovy may not always run as smoothly as you would like. There are several reasons for this, but there are things you can do to help get you back on track. So, if you're wondering “why am I not losing weight on Wegovy?”, here are our top reasons why this might be the case and our solutions to rectify the issue. 

1. You’re Not Taking the Medication Properly 

Taking Wegovy correctly each week is crucial to ensure you get the most out of the injection pen and achieve the desired results. Incorrect use of the pen may hinder your weight loss potential, so it’s crucial to take it at the same time and on the same day each week, and follow the dosage schedule perfectly.

This level of consistency will help your body become accustomed to Wegovy’s active ingredient, semaglutide, thereby reducing the likelihood of side effects and facilitating the establishment of a routine. By taking Wegovy exactly as prescribed, you’ll increase the likelihood of achieving your weight loss goals and help your body build sustainable, lifelong habits. Our step-by-step guide provides everything you need to know about using Wegovy.

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2. You’re Not on the Right Dosage

If you’re not losing weight on Wegovy yet, it's possible that you haven’t reached the maintenance dose. When you start treatment, you will begin on a low dose and gradually increase it to the maintenance dose. However, it is possible to remain on a lower dose if you wish, perhaps because you are satisfied with your results or are experiencing side effects. However, this can impact the amount of weight you can lose.

If you are not achieving the desired weight loss on the dose you are taking, and you haven’t yet reached either the 1.7 mg or 2.4 mg strength, continue following the Wegovy dosage schedule. If after 4 weeks on the maximum dose, you are still not losing weight, contact your clinician for advice. Research shows that 83.5% of individuals lose at least 5% of their initial body weight after 68 weeks of using Wegovy, so patience is key when trying to lose weight.

3. Side Effects are Hindering Weight Loss

Like all medications, Wegovy can cause side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation. They tend to be worse at the beginning of your treatment but improve as your body becomes accustomed to semaglutide. Some people find these effects return temporarily when their dose increases.

However, these side effects have the potential to hinder your progress. For example, feeling sick and experiencing diarrhoea, the most commonly reported side effects, can demotivate you, make you less likely to exercise, or make it more difficult to stick to a healthy meal plan.

Although most people find that these symptoms improve over time, if you are experiencing Wegovy side effects that are particularly bothersome or interrupting your daily life, you may want to consider alternative weight loss treatments. 

4. You’re Not Eating the Right Foods 

To maximise the benefits of Wegovy, it is essential to make informed choices regarding nutrition. For example, following a calorie-controlled diet is key, but equally important is the types of calories you’re choosing. So, if you’ve cut your calorie intake, but most of the foods you eat are highly processed or have a high saturated fat content, it’s unlikely that you’ll lose weight.

A healthy Wegovy diet plan should prioritise foods high in fibre, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as well as lean proteins and healthy fats (think avocados, olive oil, and nuts and seeds) to increase satiety, energy, and muscle mass. Some of the foods to avoid on Wegovy include:

• Sugary, processed, or fatty foods
• Full-fat dairy
• Greasy, oily, spicy, or heavy meals
• Alcohol

Eating the right foods while taking Wegovy will support your continued weight loss efforts, help mitigate side effects, and reduce the risk of diet-related health conditions that could hinder your progress. The image below outlines what a balanced diet should entail.

5. Stress and Sleep Management

Stress and poor sleep can impact your ability to lose weight more than you might think. High stress and disrupted sleep can elevate cortisol levels, a stress hormone, which can increase your appetite and lead to a craving for less healthy foods.

You can help lower your cortisol levels by improving your sleep and managing stress in the following ways:

1. Set manageable and achievable goals for the day.
2. Practice breathing exercises throughout the day to reduce anxiety.
3. Stay active throughout the day by taking a walk during your lunch break. 
4. Talk to friends and family to help you work through stressful situations.
5. Establish a structured night routine by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, and keeping your room cool, dark, and clean to promote a restful night’s sleep.

6. You Need to Give it More Time

Losing weight can be a lengthy process influenced by various factors, and no two individuals are the same. It is essential to be patient and allow your body time to adjust to Wegovy. Don’t forget that clinical trials show that most people lost at least 5% of their starting body weight after 68 weeks of treatment.

Wegovy is a long-term weight management solution, and how quickly you will start to see results can depend on the following:

• Your age
• Underlying health conditions and medications
• Body mass index (BMI)
• How much weight you want to lose
• How well you stick to lifestyle changes 

On average, it takes 10 weeks to form new, healthy habits. Be patient with yourself and focus on small, achievable goals instead of fixating on the end goal. 

7. You May Have an Underlying Medical Condition 

Underlying health conditions can impact your ability to lose weight, such as:

• An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Insulin resistance
• Depression

The extent to which these conditions impact your journey can depend on various factors, but you may need additional support or require more time for your body to recover. If you feel Wegovy isn’t working for you, there are several other options available that may be more suitable. 

If you’re not losing weight on Wegovy and have other symptoms, speak to your doctor, who can run further tests to see if you have any underlying conditions that could be hindering your weight loss progress.

8. You’re on the Wrong Medication

A final reason why you’re not losing weight on Wegovy could be that the medication simply isn’t right for you. Although the treatment is highly effective, an alternative option, such as Mounjaro or Nevolat, may be more suitable.

Everyone’s body is different and reacts to medications in various ways. This means that what works for one person may not work for you, and that’s perfectly natural. Therefore, if you think that Wegovy might not be the most suitable weight loss treatment for your journey, speak to our clinicians, and they’ll help you determine if something else would be better for you. 

How to Lose More Weight on Wegovy

If you’re currently wondering “why am I not losing weight on Wegovy?”, don’t be discouraged; there are a few simple steps you can take to help achieve them. Making small changes to your daily habits, such as improving your diet, staying consistent with your exercise plan, managing sleep and stress, and carefully tracking your progress, can make a significant difference over time.

Everyone’s weight loss experience is different, and progress can take time. Our ‘5 ways to improve weight loss’ guide is packed with practical, science-backed tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your medication.

Frequently Asked Questions

So far, we have covered the main reasons why you might not be losing weight on Wegovy, but there may still be things you’re curious to find out. Below, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about Wegovy weight loss.  

Why Do Some People Not Lose Weight on Wegovy?

There are several reasons why some people may not be losing weight on Wegovy, including not being on the correct dose, not making lifestyle changes, or not taking the medication as prescribed. Other contributing factors include underlying health conditions, high stress levels, and poor sleep.

When taking Wegovy, it is essential to make the necessary lifestyle changes, take the medication correctly, and address any underlying health conditions to maximise your results. 

Can Wegovy Cause Weight Gain?

No, Wegovy alone cannot cause weight gain. However, certain factors may impact your ability to lose weight or increase the number on the scales, such as an underlying medical condition like hypothyroidism, being on the wrong dose, or hitting a semaglutide plateau.

It is important that you address these issues to help you get back on track. Your clinician can offer help and guidance throughout your journey. If you stop taking Wegovy, weight gain is likely, with one study showing that Wegovy users regained 11.6% of their weight after one year. That’s why building healthy and consistent habits during treatment is key to helping you maintain your weight loss, even after your treatment ends.  

How Do You Break a Semaglutide Plateau?

Weight loss plateaus can be a common reason why you're not losing weight on Wegovy. There are steps you can take to break the deadlock, including making positive diet and exercise changes, getting good quality sleep, managing stress levels, or adjusting your dose.

Experiencing a plateau is a normal part of the weight loss process and can take weeks or months to overcome. At the start of your treatment, you may experience significant weight loss, but this can stall as your body adjusts to the medication or your metabolism returns to normal. As your body loses weight, your needs will change, and you’ll need to adapt your lifestyle to suit. 

Wegovy

Rated 0 out of 5 based on 0 reviews

Rated 0 out of 5 based on 0 reviews

• Approved Weight Loss treatment
• Weekly injection
• Reduces risk of heart attack & stroke

• Discreet delivery next working day
• Online prescription - No doctor visit

Prices from £139.99 Review More Prices

Start Order More Info

Get Started

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Can I Lose More Weight with a Different Medication? 

Yes, you could lose more weight with Mounjaro. A study comparing Mounjaro vs Wegovy found that the average weight loss with tirzepatide was 20.2% compared to 13.7% with semaglutide after 72 weeks of treatment. Mounjaro has a dual action because it binds to both glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors, contributing to its enhanced effectiveness.

If you think Mounjaro may be a better option for you, our clinicians can help you switch safely from Wegovy to Mounjaro.

Specialist Weight Loss Support from Prescription Doctor

Weight loss is a long-term commitment that can come with many highs and lows along the way. If you’ve hit a plateau and are wondering “Why am I not losing weight on Wegovy?”, seeking specialist guidance can be crucial for getting back on track. This is where Prescription Doctor can help.

Our trusted and reliable clinicians offer essential weight loss support, from providing diet plans (including those suitable for vegans) to offering guidance on travelling with your medication. In addition, we will ensure you are on the most appropriate dose and help you overcome any obstacles you face on your journey, including those that may contribute to you not losing weight on Wegovy. They can even help you switch to an alternative medication if appropriate.  

Start your Wegovy journey with us today.

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: 04/07/2024

Reviewed By

Mohamed Imran Lakhi

MPharm - Lead Pharmacist

Imran Lakhi is the superintendent pharmacist and founder at Prescription Doctor. He has been at the core of our team.

Reviewed on: 05/06/2025