Why Some Patients Hit a Weight-Loss Plateau on Wegovy – And How to Push Through It
For some people trying to lose weight, medications like Wegovy, which contains semaglutide, can be an effective option.
Wegovy is administered as a self-injection once a week and suppresses appetite, meaning that people are likely to eat less and lose weight in turn. Semaglutide is a GLP-1 medication, first developed to help treat type 2 diabetes. However, it’s now used as a weight loss treatment for adults with obesity or related health conditions to control appetite.
Some people who use Wegovy find that they hit a plateau at some point on their weight-loss journey. Here, we’ll explore why it might happen, and what you can do to help get through it.
What is a weight-loss plateau?
A weight-loss plateau is when somebody’s weight stops decreasing despite them continuing to try and keep losing it – perhaps through using weight-loss injections, dieting or exercising.
Plateaus aren’t unique to people using GLP-1 medications like Wegovy. They’re quite common and happen as people lose weight and burn fewer calories as a result. Maintaining and moving the body uses more calories the heavier someone is, so when somebody loses weight and doesn’t burn as many calories, it can be more difficult for them to keep losing more.
It can feel disheartening if it feels like you’re doing everything right and not seeing the results, but it doesn’t mean that you’re actually doing anything wrong. Rather, it just means that your body has adapted to your weight-loss efforts, and you might have to make a change or two to your plan.
Why weight-loss plateaus can happen on Wegovy
Using Wegovy, alongside eating a balanced, healthy diet and making lifestyle changes like exercising more regularly, can be more effective in aiding weight loss than making dietary and lifestyle changes without using weight-loss injections.
Therefore, as you keep losing weight and get closer to your goal, you might find that your body holds onto calories. Your body won’t burn as many calories as quickly, and the number of calories it burns might equal the number of calories you’re adding through food. So, it becomes more difficult to lose weight as the process goes on. In short, your ‘maintenance calories’ will be closer to what you’re ingesting.
When do plateaus tend to occur?
According to studies, it’s fairly common for weight loss to stall after about a year of using Wegovy. One study found that people tended to hit a plateau between 60 and 68 weeks, while another suggested that 60 weeks is common.
One more study noted 65 weeks as the point at which a plateau often hits, so while it can be different for different people, you could expect a plateau between one year and 18 months after first starting your weight-loss journey with Wegovy.
How to get through a plateau
People overcoming a weight-loss plateau on a GLP-1 medication may decide to increase their levels of physical activity, if it’s safe to do so, so they’re burning more calories. Another option is to decrease food intake further, again, if it’s safe to do this.
Sometimes, increasing the dose of Wegovy can be an option if your clinician thinks it could be effective and you aren’t already on the maximum dose.
A plateau could last for just a few weeks, or it could be three or four months. It can differ from person to person, and you might decide to try different things to see what works for you. And as frustrating as it might be, try not to get too disheartened; it’s a marathon, not a sprint.
It’s also worth remembering that if your weight loss has plateaued, it’s likely to be because you’ve gotten significantly closer to your goal weight, so it’s not the worst news in the world.
How long should someone be on Wegovy?
Because Wegovy is prescribed to people with obesity and related chronic conditions, it’s usually intended to be used long-term or indefinitely. If you stop using Wegovy without a plan to maintain your lifestyle changes, you may gradually put weight back on.
In some instances, a clinician may gradually reduce your dose after you’ve been using Wegovy long-term and help you transition to lifestyle changes only. It all depends on the nature of your weight issue, as some people use weight loss medications to return to a previous level of health, while others might suffer from more chronic weight management problems.
When to revisit your Wegovy treatment plan
As we mentioned above, one potential cause of plateaus may be that you’re on a lower dose. When you begin Wegovy, you’ll start on a lower dose and your clinician may gradually increase it – though you can’t go higher than the maximum dose.
If you’ve hit a plateau and you aren’t yet on the maximum dose, remember that it’s a normal part of the weight-loss journey, and consider that it might be something to discuss with your clinician. They may be able to increase your dose to see if that gives you more effective weight loss.
If you’re interested in Wegovy, and think it could help you along your weight-loss journey, our clinical team at The Virtual Slimming Clinic can guide you through it all – from how to get started to what to do in the event of a plateau further down the line – with a plan that’s tailored to your needs. You could start with our simple assessment today; it only takes a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can semaglutide stop working?
Semaglutide doesn’t stop working as such, but you may find that it becomes less effective as you lose more weight. As a result, you and your clinician may decide to increase your dose or consider making some further lifestyle changes.
How long do weight-loss plateaus last?
A weight-loss plateau might last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, and it can be different from person to person. However, it’s important to remember that plateaus are a normal part of the weight-loss journey.
When should I stop using Wegovy?
You shouldn’t stop using Wegovy on your own, whether you’re thinking about it because you’re happy with the weight you’ve already lost or because you’re struggling with a plateau. Speak to your clinician – you might be able to change your dose or make small lifestyle alterations.
Can exercising help me lose weight on GLP-1 medications?
Yes, regular exercise can help you see better results, not forgetting the long-term physical and mental benefits too. If you’re not sure where to begin, or want to make sure you aren’t pushing yourself too hard, speak to your clinician to formulate a plan.