You Aren't Losing Weight on Wegovy or Zepbound. What Now?
- Jennifer Hardy
- Jul 6
- 6 min read
You see all the before-and-after photos, the viral weight loss success stories, the "I lost 40 pounds in three months" reels. But that's only telling part of the story. Not everyone loses a lot of weight on GLP-1 medications. And if you're sitting there wondering why the scale isn’t budging on semaglutide or tirzepatide, you’re not alone.
GLP-1s work for most people, but some hit a plateau early or never see the results they expected. It’s not just about the drug; it’s about how your body responds to it.
Here are five reasons you might not be losing weight on a GLP-1, even if you're following your plan and showing up every week for the shot.
Types of GLP-1 Responders
Not everyone reacts to semaglutide or tirzepatide the same way. Researchers and providers often group people into a few general categories based on how quickly and effectively they lose weight while on GLP-1 medications.
Fast Responders
Notice significant weight loss within the first 4 to 8 weeks
Appetite drops quickly and consistently
Often reaches 10% or more body weight loss within 3 to 4 months
Average Responders
Represent the majority of users
Lose weight steadily over 3 to 6 months
Typically see 10% to 15% total weight loss by month 6 to 12 with consistent use and lifestyle support
Slow Responders
Weight loss starts gradually and may not appear until month 2 or 3
Appetite control builds over time
Can still achieve meaningful weight loss, just on a longer timeline
Non-Responders
Lose little or no weight despite taking the medication correctly
May still see improvements in blood sugar or appetite but not weight
Often tied to genetics, hormone resistance, or metabolism-related issues
My experience with Zepbound firmly puts me in the fast responder category. I've lost 27% of my body weight in six months. At the same time, one of my friends tried Ozempic. She patiently dosed up to the highest option and didn't so much as have food noise stop. She might be the most non-responder I've met.
6 Reasons You're Not Losing Weight on GLP-1s
The reasons for not losing weight on GLP-1s come down to several factors, from how you manage your lifestyle to the genetic lottery pool you're in. Let's take a closer look at each one to see what might be behind your stall.
1. Your expectations might be way off
GLP-1s are powerful, but they’re not magic. Some people expect to lose 20 pounds a month or drop multiple clothing sizes overnight. That’s not how healthy, sustainable weight loss works, on or off medication.
Most clinical trials show average weight loss of about 1 to 2 pounds per week once you're at a therapeutic dose. Some weeks might be slower. Some months might feel like a plateau. That doesn’t mean it’s not working.
Unrealistic expectations can make normal progress feel like failure. Give your body time, look at trends over months, not days, and don’t let social media numbers mess with your head.
TERMINOLOGY: A therapeutic dose is the amount of medication needed for it to have its intended effect, like meaningful weight loss. For semaglutide (Wegovy), that’s usually 2.4 mg weekly. For tirzepatide (Zepbound), it’s typically 10 mg or 15 mg weekly. Lower doses can help your body adjust but may not lead to significant results until titration is complete.
2. You’re not in a real calorie deficit
Just because you're eating less doesn't mean you're eating at a deficit. Calorie-dense snacks, sugary drinks, or emotional eating can still sneak in. GLP-1s reduce hunger, but they don’t erase habits. If you’re not tracking intake or moving your body regularly, weight loss might stall.
You really need to buckle up and track what you're eating, not in a punitive way, but in an accounting for every nutrient, calorie, carb, and protein gram mindset. Too often, I hear people say, "I'm getting a TON of protein" or "I eat A LOT of fiber." What does that mean? You can't measure against the hyperbolic "ton."
Aim for goals like this:
Protein: 75–120 grams per day
Carbohydrates: 100-150 grams per day
Fats: 40-60 grams per day
Fiber: 25-35 grams per day
Water: 80–100 ounces per day (about 10–12 cups)
And on the flip side, if you're barely eating, your body may hit survival mode. It’s not just a myth; undereating tells your body to hold onto fat because it doesn’t know when the next meal is coming. FWIW, this is also when the side effect of hair loss can start.
3. Your dose might be too low or inconsistent
GLP-1 medications start at low doses to reduce side effects, not to melt fat. If you haven’t increased to a therapeutic level or if you’re skipping doses, the medication might not have a chance to do its job.
Tirzepatide often shows stronger results at higher doses than semaglutide, so talk to your provider about whether your current dose is enough.
Don’t stress about whether it’s “working” until you’ve been at a therapeutic dose for at least 8 to 12 weeks with consistent use. That’s when real progress typically begins. Consider any progress before then a huge win.
4. Your metabolism might be working against you
Conditions like hypothyroidism, PCOS, or insulin resistance can slow your progress. The same goes for medications that promote weight gain, like certain antidepressants or steroids.
That's one of the reasons experts advise first-timers to go through a full medical evaluation with their doctors. If yours doesn't offer it, demand it.
Get full labs done. Ask your provider to check thyroid levels, insulin, cortisol, and sex hormones. Don’t rely on “normal” ranges—look for optimal.
Review your meds. Talk to your doctor about whether any prescriptions you're on could be slowing weight loss and if alternatives exist.
Work with a dietitian. A GLP-1-friendly plan that supports insulin sensitivity, protein intake, and blood sugar balance can make a big difference.
Even if you're doing everything right, your body might need more support to respond fully to GLP-1 treatment.
I also recommend getting a smart scale. This handy device with a free app tracks so much more than your weight. You'll see what kind of fat you are losing, how muscle mass is changing, and what your water/protein levels are. It's a great way to get a victory that isn't focused on how much weight you've lost on a GLP-1.
5. Side effects are holding you back
Nausea, bloating, or stomach pain can make it tough to stay on track. Some people delay their dose increases or drop off entirely because they don’t feel well. If you're not able to reach or stay at your target dose, the weight loss effects may never fully kick in.
At the same time, if you titrate up quickly, you might be bedridden (or hugging the toilet) for days at a time. Stay focused on adjusting your body to the medication and putting in healthy foods while getting quality sleep.
6. You may be a non-responder
This is the answer nobody likes, but it's a thing. Roughly 10 to 15 percent of people see little or no weight loss on GLP-1s. This might come down to genetic differences, hormone signaling, or how your body absorbs the drug.
For those who have been on a GLP-1 for more than three months but haven't lost at least 5% of their body weight, you're a nonresponder.
Some research suggests semaglutide might slow energy burn during weight loss, while tirzepatide could give it a short-term boost. This could be why some people switch medications and see better results. Plus, the way semaglutide and tirzepatide work is a little different, so what one doesn't give you, the other might.
All is not lost, either, as there are next-gen GLP-1s like Retatrutide that could be a better recipe to work with your body.
Not Losing Weight on GLP-1s; The Next Steps
If you’re not losing weight on a GLP-1, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It also doesn’t mean the medication isn’t working. These drugs are tools, not magic wands. Your biology, habits, lifestyle, and expectations all play a role in how your body responds.
Take the time to understand what your body needs, not just what TikTok says should be happening by now. Track your intake, know your dose, ask your provider real questions, and don’t be afraid to pivot if something’s not working. Meanwhile, use this period to adapt to healthier eating habits if you aren't in the zone.
You can also check out our products page to help find some simple supplements and tools to minimize side effects, since those can derail even the best GLP-1 journey.
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