Why am I not losing weight on Wegovy? Beat the Plateau

Inappropriate dosing

If you’re still on one of the lower starter doses, your weight loss might be slower. Wegovy usually works best once you reach the full maintenance dose of 2.4 mg weekly, which takes time to build up safely.

Timings

Wegovy works best when the medication level in your body remains steady, which helps control appetite, reduce cravings, and support metabolism. If you skip a dose or take it on a different day each week, the medication level can drop, which may lead to increased hunger, stronger cravings, and slower weight loss.

Your body is adjusting

As you lose weight, your body can naturally adjust, which may slow down further weight loss. This is called a weight-loss plateau and is a normal response. It doesn’t mean Wegovy isn’t working. Progress can resume with time, consistency, and small adjustments to your routine.

You have a medical condition

Certain medical conditions and medications can make weight loss on Wegovy more challenging.

For example, hypothyroidism slows metabolism, so your body burns fewer calories, while insulin resistance makes it easier to store fat. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can cause hormonal imbalances that increase appetite and slow weight loss.

Medications like steroids may boost appetite, promote fat storage, or cause fluid retention. These factors affect metabolism, appetite, or fat storage, so working closely with your prescriber can help tailor your weight-loss plan for the best results.

Individual response

Everyone’s body responds differently to weight-loss medications like Wegovy.

Genetics can influence how your body stores and burns fat, while hormones, including thyroid hormones, insulin, and reproductive hormones, can affect appetite, metabolism, and fat distribution. Because of these differences, some people may lose weight more slowly or see more gradual results than others, even when following the same medication plan.

Food choices make a difference

Wegovy can help curb your appetite, but it doesn’t replace healthy eating.

Eating more calories than your body uses can slow down weight loss, even on medication.

Focus on balanced meals with plenty of protein, fibre, and healthy fats to support steady, effective weight loss.

Portion control

Large portions can cancel out the appetite-reducing effects of Wegovy. Even healthy foods can contribute to weight gain if the servings are too big. Paying attention to portion sizes, eating slowly, and stopping when you’re comfortably full can make a significant difference.

Lack of physical activity

Being inactive can make weight loss slower because your body burns fewer calories throughout the day. Even though Wegovy helps reduce appetite, it doesn’t replace the benefits of regular movement. When you’re sedentary, your metabolism can slow down, your muscles burn less energy, and you may not create the calorie deficit needed for steady weight loss.

Your sleep quality

Poor sleep can slow your weight loss because it disrupts the hormones that control hunger and fullness. When you don’t sleep well, your body produces more hunger hormones and fewer satiety hormones, which can increase cravings, especially for high-calorie or sugary foods. This makes it harder to manage your appetite, even with Wegovy.

High stress levels

Chronic stress can disrupt weight-loss progress by increasing emotional eating, raising cravings for high-calorie foods, and throwing off your daily routine. When stress is reduced, this is controlled as your body produces fewer stress hormones like cortisol.

Having an inconsistent routine

Eating meals irregularly or skipping them, as well as inconsistent exercise can confuse your hunger signals and slow weight loss. Keeping a steady routine, planned snacks, and consistent activity will help your body respond better to Wegovy and improves long-term results.

These five simple strategies can help supercharge your weight loss, keep your progress on track, and make the journey easier and more sustainable.