5 Reasons You’re Not Losing Weight on Ozempic

Ozempic and Wegovy have been extremely successful in helping people lose weight and get their blood sugars under control. But if you’ve been taking these medications and aren’t losing weight the way you want to, you might be asking yourself: Why am I not losing weight on Ozempic? Is there something you could do to help boost the effectiveness of the weight loss effect? The reality is no one’s journey on GLP-1s is identical. Here are some reasons you might not be losing weight with Ozempic

You may need to give it more time

Weight loss with Ozempic or Wegovy takes time. Most physicians will start you on a smaller dose to help minimize side effects and allow you to see how your body reacts to the medication. That smaller initial dose may not be enough to kickstart the weight loss effects of these medications. Once you and your physician decide it’s safe to increase your dose, many patients begin to see the weight loss benefits often highlighted in the news and on social media.

You may need to adjust your diet

One of the reasons you might not lose weight while taking Ozempic is your diet. GLP-1s like Ozempic work by slowing digestion and making you feel more full on less food, this makes fueling your body with the right foods to support weight loss even more important. Because GLP-1s increase feelings of fullness, leaner proteins should be prioritized to support weight loss from fat and not muscle. Also, fiber-rich foods typically contain higher amounts of vitamins and minerals which are important during a weight loss journey. Typically, 10-35% of an adult’s diet should consist of protein, but erring on the higher end of that window could be helpful during weight loss. Fiber-rich foods like vegetables, fruits with the peel still on, beans, and whole grains can also help aid in weight loss while taking Ozempic.

You’ve reached a weight loss plateau

Another reason you might reach a point where you’re not losing weight while taking Ozempic is that you’ve reached a weight loss plateau. While plateaus can be frustrating, they’re a normal part of any significant weight loss plan. Most commonly, plateaus occur after a significant amount of weight has been lost, including muscle and fat. That loss in muscle can decrease your metabolism which then slows down your ability to lose weight. 

One of the best ways to avoid a slowdown in weight loss while taking Ozempic is to include regular exercise in your routine. Physical activity that encourages growth in lean muscle mass can help combat that potential slowdown in your metabolism.

You’re not taking Ozempic as prescribed

Are you forgetful about taking your medication, or do you skip doses regularly? If you’re not losing weight on Ozempic as quickly as you’d like it may have to do with your missed and forgotten doses. Your dosing schedule is set to maximize the effectiveness of the medication, and missed or out-of-schedule doses can reduce how well Ozempic works in your body. Following your physician’s recommended dosing schedule ( in addition to any other prescribed changes to diet and/or exercise) will help ensure you see the best results from your regimen.

The Takeaway

Ultimately, patience is key when it comes to weight loss on any plan, including medication. Whether it’s through an adjustment in dosage, increased physical activity, or a change in diet, most of the hurdles of not losing weight on Ozempic can be overcome. Taking a measured approach with clear communication between you and your healthcare provider can ensure you reach your weight loss goals. 

If you are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or are overweight and want to live a healthier lifestyle, Virta Health may be able to help. By making healthy lifestyle changes in a medical setting with supportive resources like 1:1 virtual coaching, you can regain control of your health and feel like yourself again. See if you’re eligible for Virta Health here.