Could your weight loss progress be slower than expected while taking Wegovy? Are you unsure why the scale isn’t moving despite starting this well-known weight loss injection?
If you’re asking yourself, “Why am I not losing weight on Wegovy?”, you’re not alone. While semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy) has shown powerful results for many, it doesn’t work the same way or at the same speed for everyone. For some, weight loss may slow down, stall entirely, or feel less than expected, even with strict adherence to the injection schedule.
Several factors could be responsible, from lifestyle habits and stress to medical conditions or even the dosing of the medication itself. This guide breaks down the most likely reasons, helping you evaluate what might be standing in the way of your progress and how to make informed adjustments.
Have You Reached the Full Wegovy Maintenance Dose?
One of the most overlooked reasons people don’t see initial results on Wegovy is that they haven’t reached the full maintenance dose of 2.4mg, which is when the medication tends to be most effective.
The standard Wegovy treatment begins at 0.25mg per week and gradually increases over 17 weeks until the full dose is achieved.
Some patients may be on a lower dose due to side effects, supply issues, or clinical guidance to remain at a more tolerable level.
However, the greatest weight loss outcomes have been seen in people who reached and maintained the 2.4mg dose consistently.
Clinical Results from Wegovy Trials
| Treatment Duration | % of People Losing ≥ 5% Weight | % Losing ≥ 10% | % Losing ≥ 15% | % Losing ≥ 20% |
| 68 weeks (2.4mg) | 83.5% | 66.1% | 47.9% | 30.2% |
If you’ve only recently started treatment, it may be too soon to expect significant changes. Speak with your doctor if you’re unsure whether it’s time to adjust your dose or if you’re facing delays due to supply issues.
A review of your prescription might reveal opportunities for improvement or even an alternative treatment option if appropriate.
Have You Allowed Enough Time for Results?
It’s understandable to expect results quickly, especially with the encouraging before-and-after stories shared online. However, weight loss is a long-term process, and Wegovy is designed to support sustainable progress rather than fast, temporary results.
In clinical studies, participants took the full maintenance dose for over a year before final results were measured. It’s not uncommon to wait several months before seeing visible differences on the scale.
Additionally, individual metabolism, body composition, age, hormone levels, and lifestyle changes all influence how long it takes to see a change.
Building new habits takes time. Experts suggest that developing sustainable lifestyle routines such as meal planning, regular movement, and mindful eating often takes upwards of two months or more.
When combined with the long-term nature of Wegovy’s treatment schedule, it’s critical to remain patient and consistent.
Are You Truly in a Calorie Deficit?
At the core of all weight loss is one foundational principle: a calorie deficit. This means consuming fewer calories than your body uses for energy. Wegovy helps reduce hunger, making it easier to eat less, but it cannot override an excess calorie intake.
It’s possible to feel like you’re eating less yet still consume more calories than your body requires especially if the food choices are high in fats, sugars, or processed ingredients.
Additionally, as weight drops, your daily calorie needs decrease. That means your deficit must be recalculated periodically.
Average Daily Calorie Guidelines (UK)
| Gender | Maintenance Calories | Calorie Target for Weight Loss (600 kcal deficit) |
| Women | 2,000 kcal | 1,400 kcal |
| Men | 2,500 kcal | 1,900 kcal |
Tracking your intake through apps or keeping a food journal can help identify unnoticed calorie surpluses.
Even small habits such as sugar in tea, large portions, or snacking while cooking can affect overall intake significantly. It’s not always necessary to count calories every day, but doing so occasionally offers helpful insight.
Are You Making the Right Food Choices?
Eating fewer calories is one part of the equation, but food quality matters just as much.
A diet made up of calorie dense but nutrient-poor foods such as ready meals, crisps, pastries, or sweetened drinks can hinder weight loss even if portions are controlled.
Moreover, highly processed foods are more likely to trigger digestive discomfort, particularly for those on Wegovy.
Since semaglutide already slows digestion, combining it with greasy or acidic meals may worsen side effects like nausea or bloating, discouraging consistency with the treatment.
Replacing processed meals with whole foods can improve satiety, support gut health, and stabilise blood sugar. Focus on building meals around:
- Lean proteins like chicken, turkey, eggs, and legumes
- Plenty of vegetables and low-glycaemic fruits
- Whole grains such as oats, brown rice, and quinoa
- Healthy fats in moderation from nuts, seeds, and olive oil
In addition, staying well-hydrated supports digestion and appetite regulation. Sometimes, dehydration is mistaken for hunger, leading to unnecessary snacking.
Are You Exercising Enough or the Right Way?
Physical activity remains an essential component of any weight loss journey. Not only does it help burn calories, but it also supports cardiovascular health, enhances mood, and boosts metabolic function.
While Wegovy reduces appetite, it doesn’t replace the calorie-burning benefits of movement.
The NHS recommends at least:
- 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week, or
- 75 minutes of vigorous activity weekly, combined with
- Strength training exercises at least twice a week
If exercise isn’t currently part of your routine, begin with activities you enjoy such as walking, swimming, or cycling and build up gradually.
For those already active, consider increasing intensity, duration, or trying new forms of exercise to keep the body challenged and burning more energy.
Daily life movement also counts. Cleaning, gardening, using stairs, or walking to the shop adds to your total activity levels and can accelerate progress over time.
Is Stress Interfering With Your Weight Loss?
Chronic stress can significantly impact your ability to lose weight. It triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone that increases fat storage particularly around the abdomen, and can lead to heightened cravings for sugary or fatty comfort foods.
Additionally, stress can disrupt sleep, lower motivation to exercise, and contribute to emotional eating patterns. In some cases, individuals may be unaware that they are using food as a coping mechanism, especially during periods of emotional exhaustion.
Managing stress effectively can play a pivotal role in your results. Simple practices such as deep breathing, daily walks, mindfulness apps, or talking with a therapist can make a meaningful difference.
Being overly critical or pressuring yourself to lose weight quickly often backfires. Kindness, patience, and steady habits win in the long run.
Are You Sleeping Enough?
Sleep is one of the most underrated aspects of weight management. Getting less than 6–7 hours of quality sleep per night can disrupt hunger-regulating hormones like leptin and ghrelin, leading to increased appetite and poorer food choices the following day.
People who don’t sleep well often consume more calories and gravitate towards carbohydrate-rich, high-sugar foods. Moreover, lack of sleep is associated with a slower metabolism and increased insulin resistance.
Establishing a consistent bedtime routine, limiting caffeine in the afternoon, and avoiding screens an hour before bed can improve sleep quality. A rested body is better equipped to manage appetite, stress, and energy balance.
Could an Undiagnosed Health Condition Be to Blame?
Medical conditions may contribute to weight retention even when efforts seem aligned. These include:
- Thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes
- Vitamin or hormone deficiencies
- Depression and mental health conditions
If you suspect an underlying issue such as fatigue, irregular menstrual cycles, difficulty concentrating, or unexplained weight gain, speak with your GP. Blood tests and a thorough evaluation can help identify obstacles that are beyond your control.
Have You Reached a Weight Loss Plateau?
It’s common to lose weight rapidly at the beginning of a lifestyle change or medication but then reach a plateau. At this point, weight loss stalls even though you continue your routine.
This can happen due to metabolic adaptation, where the body adjusts to the new calorie intake and becomes more efficient at using energy.
A plateau may last weeks or even months, and it doesn’t mean your efforts have failed. Instead, it may be time to re-evaluate your approach.
Are your workouts still challenging? Have hidden calories crept back into your meals? Are you sleeping and managing stress?
Introducing new exercises, changing your meal plan, or reducing portion sizes slightly can help break the plateau.
Consistency is key many people who continue through a plateau find their weight loss resumes once the body readjusts.
Is Wegovy the Right Medication for You?
While Wegovy has helped the majority of users lose weight, it’s important to note that about 16% of patients do not lose at least 5% of their body weight even after 12 weeks on the full dose.
If this is your experience, it may be worth exploring alternative medications.
Options available in the UK include:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) – another injection that suppresses appetite and supports blood sugar control
- Orlistat/Xenical – reduces fat absorption during digestion
- Mysimba – works on the brain’s reward centre to curb cravings
Discussing these with your doctor can help you find a better-suited solution based on your health profile and goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for Wegovy to show results?
Many see initial results within a few months, but the most significant changes typically occur after at least 68 weeks at the maintenance dose.
Can stress really prevent weight loss on Wegovy?
Yes. Elevated cortisol from chronic stress promotes fat storage and increases hunger hormones, making weight loss harder.
Is exercise necessary if I’m taking Wegovy?
Yes. While Wegovy suppresses appetite, exercise boosts fat loss, preserves muscle, and improves long-term results.
What are signs I’ve hit a weight loss plateau?
If your weight remains the same for several weeks despite consistent diet and activity, you may be experiencing a plateau.
How do I know if I’m in a calorie deficit?
Monitoring your intake using a calorie-tracking app or journal can help determine whether you’re consuming fewer calories than you burn.
Can other medications affect Wegovy’s effectiveness?
Yes. Certain antidepressants, corticosteroids, and hormone therapies may interfere with weight loss.
What if Wegovy isn’t working for me?
If you’ve followed the dosage and lifestyle plan for 12 weeks without losing weight, speak to your doctor about alternative treatments.
