Feeling stuck because the scale isn't budging even though you're on Wegovy? You're not the only one. Many people use this medication for its well-documented ability to support weight loss, but it can leave you wondering how long it takes to notice a difference.
Weight loss is a highly individual process, with progress influenced by numerous factors like genetics, lifestyle habits, and more.
If you're curious why your results may be slower than anticipated, keep reading. We'll break down possible reasons behind the delay and share useful tips to help you get the best out of your Wegovy treatment.
How long does it take to notice weight loss on Wegovy?
Wegovy tends to deliver results fairly quickly, with the majority of individuals experiencing a noticeable reduction in appetite within the first 1–3 days and beginning to see weight loss within the initial 4 weeks of treatment [1].
The pace of weight loss, however, varies from person to person. Clinical studies on Wegovy's effectiveness showed that participants taking the medication lost an average of 15% of their starting body weight, compared to just 2.5% in the placebo group [2].
Additionally, the trials revealed that individuals on Wegovy achieved the following milestones:
- A minimum of 6% weight loss by week 12
- At least 10% by week 20
- At least 15% by a year
Is it normal not to lose weight on Wegovy?
While Wegovy can result in substantial weight loss, it doesn't have the same effect on everyone. According to the clinical trials discussed earlier, about 14% of participants were classified as "non-responders," meaning they lost less than 5% of their starting weight over 68 weeks.
Being a "non-responder," however, doesn't automatically mean that Wegovy isn't working for you at all. If you're losing weight consistently but not as much or as quickly as you had hoped, that could simply be how your body reacts to the medication. Genetics might even play a role.
If you suspect there’s more to the picture, read on to learn what might be influencing your progress.
9 reasons why you're not losing weight on Wegovy
You're on Wegovy but you're not losing weight — here's why that might be happening.
1. It hasn't been long enough
Whether you're on a weight loss medication or not, weight loss doesn't happen overnight.
As mentioned earlier, most people start seeing results within the first 4 weeks. If it hasn’t been that long yet, it’s likely just a matter of giving the medication more time to work.
Even after 4 weeks, remember that everyone responds to Wegovy differently, so your progress may not follow the same timeline as others.
If you're concerned that the medication isn't effective for you, it's important to discuss this with your doctor. At the same time, try to focus on realistic goals and aim for steady, sustainable weight loss rather than quick solutions.
2. Your dosage might need changing
When you begin Wegovy, your doctor will start you on a weekly dose of 0.25 mg, which is the initial dosage.You’ll typically stay at this dose for 4 weeks, after which it may be increased, provided you’re not experiencing any serious side effects. This adjustment usually happens every 4 weeks until you reach the maintenance dosage of 2.4 mg per week.
If you’re not seeing the weight loss results you expected, it’s possible that your current dose isn’t suitable for your needs. If that’s the case, consider discussing with your prescriber whether adjusting your dosage might help.
3. You haven't adjusted your diet
Using Wegovy without pairing it with a healthy, calorie-controlled diet is unlikely to yield lasting results. While you might experience some initial weight loss, making lifestyle changes to your eating habits is essential for continued progress and maintaining your results over time.
Maybe you find yourself snacking throughout the day, turning to food for comfort, or heading to the fridge late at night. Or perhaps you're unsure about proper portion sizes and unintentionally overeat.
Whatever the case may be, now is the time to take a closer look at these behaviours. Addressing unhealthy eating habits will help ensure they don't stand in the way of your Wegovy treatment's success.
4. You're not active enough
Combining a balanced diet with regular exercise is key to achieving weight loss, and research shows that Wegovy works best when paired with at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week [3].
If you’re leading a sedentary lifestyle, adding more physical activity to your daily routine can make a significant impact.
The great thing is that this activity can be anything that fits your lifestyle, preferences, and schedule — whether it’s swimming, yoga, boxing, or even everyday movements like walking or taking the stairs.
5. You're not sleeping enough
The relationship between sleep and weight isn’t entirely clear yet, but there are some theories about how poor sleep might impact your ability to manage weight.
One idea is that a lack of sleep could raise levels of ghrelin (the hormone that triggers hunger) while lowering levels of leptin (which helps suppress cravings when your body has had enough calories) [4].
Sleep deprivation may also influence the types of food you crave, potentially steering you towards calorie-dense, carbohydrate-heavy options [5].
6. Your stress levels are too high
Stress can elevate cortisol levels, which might contribute to weight gain. Here's how:
- You might rely on food to cope with stress, a habit known as emotional eating, which can result in consuming more calories than needed
- Cortisol may increase your blood sugar levels, prompting the excess sugar to be stored as fat
- Stress can disrupt your sleep patterns, leading to the challenges we’ve discussed earlier
7. You have underlying health conditions
Even if you’re maintaining a healthy lifestyle and following all the right steps, an underlying health condition could be hindering your progress.
For instance, research indicates that individuals with diabetes using semaglutide medications like Wegovy often experience less weight loss compared to those without diabetes [6]. Additionally, thyroid disorders or hormonal imbalances can interfere with weight loss efforts.
Certain medications, such as steroids or antidepressants, might also contribute to weight gain or make it harder to shed pounds.
8. You've hit a weight loss plateau
After spending some time on a weight loss journey, your body begins to adapt to the changes, which can cause your progress to slow or even come to a halt. With Wegovy, it appears that a plateau often happens around the 1-year mark [7].
While these plateaus can feel discouraging, they are a normal part of the process.
Breaking through a plateau requires refining your approach, such as intensifying your exercise routine, adjusting your calorie intake, or discussing with your doctor about increasing your Wegovy dosage.
9. You're not drinking enough water
Staying hydrated might not be a magic solution for weight loss, but not drinking enough water can hinder your progress — and it’s a factor many people tend to ignore.
For example, drinking water can enhance your metabolism by up to 25% for about an hour after consumption [8]. Having around 2 cups of water is often sufficient for your body to feel full [9]. Additionally, drinking water before meals can help you eat less by reducing your overall food intake [10].
How to increase weight loss on Wegovy
A few healthy habits you can adopt to boost your Wegovy weight loss results include:
Eat a healthy diet
When it comes to diet, 2 key factors to focus on are quantity (how many calories you consume) and quality (the types of foods you eat).
For tailored advice, it’s best to consult your doctor, but here are some general guidelines:
- Maintain a calorie deficit. This involves eating fewer calories than you burn, prompting your body to tap into its stored energy, which aids in losing weight and reducing body fat.
- Make protein a priority. Protein is the most filling macronutrient, and research shows that a high-protein diet (beyond the usual recommended intake) supports weight loss and improves body composition [11].
- Eat more fruits and vegetables. They’re generally low in calories, making them an excellent choice for weight loss. Beyond that, they offer numerous health benefits, such as boosting immunity, supporting gut health, and lowering the risk of various diseases.
- Avoid skipping meals. While skipping meals might seem like a shortcut to faster weight loss — especially since Wegovy reduces appetite and quiets food cravings — it can actually backfire. You may find yourself hungrier later, leading to overeating.
- Stay hydrated. Proper hydration can rev up your metabolism and help control cravings. Options like sparkling water or lemon water count too!
When it comes to foods to limit, no food group is completely off-limits. That said, for optimal results, reduce your intake of sugary snacks and beverages, highly processed foods, greasy or fatty options, artificial sweeteners, and alcohol.
Exercise regularly
Starting an exercise routine can feel overwhelming, but you don’t need to jump straight into lifting heavy weights at the gym.
It’s perfectly fine to start slow, explore different types of activities to discover what you enjoy (this is key for staying motivated!), and then create a consistent routine around that.
For instance, you might consider trying weight training. This involves using resistance — like dumbbells, barbells, or even your own body weight — to contract your muscles, which helps build strength, endurance, and muscle mass. Despite its association with bodybuilders and serious gym enthusiasts, weight training is excellent for weight loss. It boosts your resting metabolic rate, meaning you burn more calories even when you're not exercising [12].
Another fantastic option is cardio, especially for fat loss. And no, it doesn’t have to be running if that’s not your thing. Activities like walking, swimming, rowing, cycling, or dancing are also great forms of cardio.
With any exercise, you’ll also benefit from the after-burn effect, where your body continues to burn calories at an elevated rate until it returns to its resting state. This effect peaks right after your workout but can last as long as 38 hours [13]!
Manage your stress and sleep
Lowering your cortisol levels and improving your sleep quality can work wonders for getting your weight loss efforts back on track. If managing stress is a challenge for you, consider these ideas:
- Engage in somatic exercises
- Start a food journal to uncover any unintentional food habits
- Experiment with healthier alternatives to your go-to comfort foods
- Practice mindful eating to stay present during meals
- Build a reliable support network, whether that’s loved ones or a mental health professional
For enhancing your sleep:
- Stick to a consistent sleep routine
- Ensure your bedroom is dark and quiet at bedtime
- Avoid eating late at night
- Skip afternoon coffee to prevent sleep disturbances
- Develop a calming nighttime ritual, such as journaling, meditating, doing yoga, or reading, to ease into restful sleep
Can you switch to other weight loss medications?
The simple answer is yes — you can transition from Wegovy to other weight loss medications like Mounjaro or Saxenda. However, this should always be done under the guidance of your healthcare provider.
Your doctor will determine whether switching is the right decision for you. If it is, they’ll guide you on the timing of the switch, the appropriate starting dosage for your new medication, and how to gradually adjust it until you reach a maintenance dose.
Losing weight with Compound
We’re dedicated to helping you live better, for longer.
Compound combines medical treatments, diagnostics, prescriber support, and personalised nutrition and exercise plans for an effective programme that helps men unlock body transformation.
- Up to 15% weight loss with clinically-backed treatments
- Lose fat and gain muscle with customised diet and movement plans
- Track metrics and progress within the Compound app
We’re in the middle of building something special for UK men. In the meantime, register your interest and we’ll keep you updated.
Feeling stuck because the scale isn't budging even though you're on Wegovy? You're not the only one. Many people use this medication for its well-documented ability to support weight loss, but it can leave you wondering how long it takes to notice a difference.
Weight loss is a highly individual process, with progress influenced by numerous factors like genetics, lifestyle habits, and more.
If you're curious why your results may be slower than anticipated, keep reading. We'll break down possible reasons behind the delay and share useful tips to help you get the best out of your Wegovy treatment.
How long does it take to notice weight loss on Wegovy?
Wegovy tends to deliver results fairly quickly, with the majority of individuals experiencing a noticeable reduction in appetite within the first 1–3 days and beginning to see weight loss within the initial 4 weeks of treatment [1].
The pace of weight loss, however, varies from person to person. Clinical studies on Wegovy's effectiveness showed that participants taking the medication lost an average of 15% of their starting body weight, compared to just 2.5% in the placebo group [2].
Additionally, the trials revealed that individuals on Wegovy achieved the following milestones:
- A minimum of 6% weight loss by week 12
- At least 10% by week 20
- At least 15% by a year
Is it normal not to lose weight on Wegovy?
While Wegovy can result in substantial weight loss, it doesn't have the same effect on everyone. According to the clinical trials discussed earlier, about 14% of participants were classified as "non-responders," meaning they lost less than 5% of their starting weight over 68 weeks.
Being a "non-responder," however, doesn't automatically mean that Wegovy isn't working for you at all. If you're losing weight consistently but not as much or as quickly as you had hoped, that could simply be how your body reacts to the medication. Genetics might even play a role.
If you suspect there’s more to the picture, read on to learn what might be influencing your progress.
9 reasons why you're not losing weight on Wegovy
You're on Wegovy but you're not losing weight — here's why that might be happening.
1. It hasn't been long enough
Whether you're on a weight loss medication or not, weight loss doesn't happen overnight.
As mentioned earlier, most people start seeing results within the first 4 weeks. If it hasn’t been that long yet, it’s likely just a matter of giving the medication more time to work.
Even after 4 weeks, remember that everyone responds to Wegovy differently, so your progress may not follow the same timeline as others.
If you're concerned that the medication isn't effective for you, it's important to discuss this with your doctor. At the same time, try to focus on realistic goals and aim for steady, sustainable weight loss rather than quick solutions.
2. Your dosage might need changing
When you begin Wegovy, your doctor will start you on a weekly dose of 0.25 mg, which is the initial dosage.You’ll typically stay at this dose for 4 weeks, after which it may be increased, provided you’re not experiencing any serious side effects. This adjustment usually happens every 4 weeks until you reach the maintenance dosage of 2.4 mg per week.
If you’re not seeing the weight loss results you expected, it’s possible that your current dose isn’t suitable for your needs. If that’s the case, consider discussing with your prescriber whether adjusting your dosage might help.
3. You haven't adjusted your diet
Using Wegovy without pairing it with a healthy, calorie-controlled diet is unlikely to yield lasting results. While you might experience some initial weight loss, making lifestyle changes to your eating habits is essential for continued progress and maintaining your results over time.
Maybe you find yourself snacking throughout the day, turning to food for comfort, or heading to the fridge late at night. Or perhaps you're unsure about proper portion sizes and unintentionally overeat.
Whatever the case may be, now is the time to take a closer look at these behaviours. Addressing unhealthy eating habits will help ensure they don't stand in the way of your Wegovy treatment's success.
4. You're not active enough
Combining a balanced diet with regular exercise is key to achieving weight loss, and research shows that Wegovy works best when paired with at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week [3].
If you’re leading a sedentary lifestyle, adding more physical activity to your daily routine can make a significant impact.
The great thing is that this activity can be anything that fits your lifestyle, preferences, and schedule — whether it’s swimming, yoga, boxing, or even everyday movements like walking or taking the stairs.
5. You're not sleeping enough
The relationship between sleep and weight isn’t entirely clear yet, but there are some theories about how poor sleep might impact your ability to manage weight.
One idea is that a lack of sleep could raise levels of ghrelin (the hormone that triggers hunger) while lowering levels of leptin (which helps suppress cravings when your body has had enough calories) [4].
Sleep deprivation may also influence the types of food you crave, potentially steering you towards calorie-dense, carbohydrate-heavy options [5].
6. Your stress levels are too high
Stress can elevate cortisol levels, which might contribute to weight gain. Here's how:
- You might rely on food to cope with stress, a habit known as emotional eating, which can result in consuming more calories than needed
- Cortisol may increase your blood sugar levels, prompting the excess sugar to be stored as fat
- Stress can disrupt your sleep patterns, leading to the challenges we’ve discussed earlier
7. You have underlying health conditions
Even if you’re maintaining a healthy lifestyle and following all the right steps, an underlying health condition could be hindering your progress.
For instance, research indicates that individuals with diabetes using semaglutide medications like Wegovy often experience less weight loss compared to those without diabetes [6]. Additionally, thyroid disorders or hormonal imbalances can interfere with weight loss efforts.
Certain medications, such as steroids or antidepressants, might also contribute to weight gain or make it harder to shed pounds.
8. You've hit a weight loss plateau
After spending some time on a weight loss journey, your body begins to adapt to the changes, which can cause your progress to slow or even come to a halt. With Wegovy, it appears that a plateau often happens around the 1-year mark [7].
While these plateaus can feel discouraging, they are a normal part of the process.
Breaking through a plateau requires refining your approach, such as intensifying your exercise routine, adjusting your calorie intake, or discussing with your doctor about increasing your Wegovy dosage.
9. You're not drinking enough water
Staying hydrated might not be a magic solution for weight loss, but not drinking enough water can hinder your progress — and it’s a factor many people tend to ignore.
For example, drinking water can enhance your metabolism by up to 25% for about an hour after consumption [8]. Having around 2 cups of water is often sufficient for your body to feel full [9]. Additionally, drinking water before meals can help you eat less by reducing your overall food intake [10].
How to increase weight loss on Wegovy
A few healthy habits you can adopt to boost your Wegovy weight loss results include:
Eat a healthy diet
When it comes to diet, 2 key factors to focus on are quantity (how many calories you consume) and quality (the types of foods you eat).
For tailored advice, it’s best to consult your doctor, but here are some general guidelines:
- Maintain a calorie deficit. This involves eating fewer calories than you burn, prompting your body to tap into its stored energy, which aids in losing weight and reducing body fat.
- Make protein a priority. Protein is the most filling macronutrient, and research shows that a high-protein diet (beyond the usual recommended intake) supports weight loss and improves body composition [11].
- Eat more fruits and vegetables. They’re generally low in calories, making them an excellent choice for weight loss. Beyond that, they offer numerous health benefits, such as boosting immunity, supporting gut health, and lowering the risk of various diseases.
- Avoid skipping meals. While skipping meals might seem like a shortcut to faster weight loss — especially since Wegovy reduces appetite and quiets food cravings — it can actually backfire. You may find yourself hungrier later, leading to overeating.
- Stay hydrated. Proper hydration can rev up your metabolism and help control cravings. Options like sparkling water or lemon water count too!
When it comes to foods to limit, no food group is completely off-limits. That said, for optimal results, reduce your intake of sugary snacks and beverages, highly processed foods, greasy or fatty options, artificial sweeteners, and alcohol.
Exercise regularly
Starting an exercise routine can feel overwhelming, but you don’t need to jump straight into lifting heavy weights at the gym.
It’s perfectly fine to start slow, explore different types of activities to discover what you enjoy (this is key for staying motivated!), and then create a consistent routine around that.
For instance, you might consider trying weight training. This involves using resistance — like dumbbells, barbells, or even your own body weight — to contract your muscles, which helps build strength, endurance, and muscle mass. Despite its association with bodybuilders and serious gym enthusiasts, weight training is excellent for weight loss. It boosts your resting metabolic rate, meaning you burn more calories even when you're not exercising [12].
Another fantastic option is cardio, especially for fat loss. And no, it doesn’t have to be running if that’s not your thing. Activities like walking, swimming, rowing, cycling, or dancing are also great forms of cardio.
With any exercise, you’ll also benefit from the after-burn effect, where your body continues to burn calories at an elevated rate until it returns to its resting state. This effect peaks right after your workout but can last as long as 38 hours [13]!
Manage your stress and sleep
Lowering your cortisol levels and improving your sleep quality can work wonders for getting your weight loss efforts back on track. If managing stress is a challenge for you, consider these ideas:
- Engage in somatic exercises
- Start a food journal to uncover any unintentional food habits
- Experiment with healthier alternatives to your go-to comfort foods
- Practice mindful eating to stay present during meals
- Build a reliable support network, whether that’s loved ones or a mental health professional
For enhancing your sleep:
- Stick to a consistent sleep routine
- Ensure your bedroom is dark and quiet at bedtime
- Avoid eating late at night
- Skip afternoon coffee to prevent sleep disturbances
- Develop a calming nighttime ritual, such as journaling, meditating, doing yoga, or reading, to ease into restful sleep
Can you switch to other weight loss medications?
The simple answer is yes — you can transition from Wegovy to other weight loss medications like Mounjaro or Saxenda. However, this should always be done under the guidance of your healthcare provider.
Your doctor will determine whether switching is the right decision for you. If it is, they’ll guide you on the timing of the switch, the appropriate starting dosage for your new medication, and how to gradually adjust it until you reach a maintenance dose.
Losing weight with Compound
We’re dedicated to helping you live better, for longer.
Compound combines medical treatments, diagnostics, prescriber support, and personalised nutrition and exercise plans for an effective programme that helps men unlock body transformation.
- Up to 15% weight loss with clinically-backed treatments
- Lose fat and gain muscle with customised diet and movement plans
- Track metrics and progress within the Compound app
We’re in the middle of building something special for UK men. In the meantime, register your interest and we’ll keep you updated.
- https://www.goodrx.com/wegovy/how-long-wegovy-weight-loss
- https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9272494/
- https://www.sleepfoundation.org/physical-health/weight-loss-and-sleep
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4688118/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9486455/
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-022-02026-4
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14671205/
- https://hub.jhu.edu/at-work/2020/01/15/focus-on-wellness-drinking-more-water
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6209729/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7539343/
- https://theconversation.com/resistance-training-heres-why-its-so-effective-for-weight-loss-146453
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11882927/
A body recomposition programme, designed for you
Compound combines medical treatments, diagnostics, prescriber support, and personalised nutrition and exercise plans for an effective programme that helps men unlock body recomposition.
- Up to 15% weight loss with clinically-backed treatments
- Lose fat and gain muscle with customised diet and movement plans
- Track metrics and progress within the Compound app
