Evidence Based
Semaglutide, known by its brand name Ozempic, is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. In June 2021, it was FDA-approved for weight management[1] after clinical trials showed that it was effective in treating[2] obesity.
Semaglutide, an injectable medication, works by suppressing appetite,[3] which leads to lower food intake. This, in turn, causes weight loss. However, some people may not have success with this medication.
If you’re asking, “Why am I not losing weight on ozempic?” it’s important to explore the underlying reasons. Several factors can be associated with the lack of weight loss when using this medication.
Some people may believe they can lose weight fast without exercise while taking ozempic. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Ozempic will not provide weight loss without lifestyle changes. The package label specifically says that it is to be used as an adjunct to diet and exercise for glycemic control.
If you’re not losing weight on Ozempic, one of the reasons below may be responsible. Fortunately, you can make adjustments to facilitate weight changes.
Why Am I Not Losing Weight On Ozempic?
If you’re not losing weight on Ozempic, one of the reasons below may be to blame:
- You haven’t changed your diet.
- You aren’t exercising.
- You’re not being patient.
- The dose is incorrect.
- You’ve hit a plateau.
Why Am I Not Losing Weight On Ozempic?
If you’re looking for a weight loss medication to lose weight, Ozempic can be helpful, but it’s not a magic pill. Research[4] on this medication has shown that it works best with patients who also adopt healthy habits. So, if you do not consider other lifestyle factors, you might not experience significant weight loss on your weight loss journey with Ozempic. Or, if you have a slower metabolism, the results may not be as expected.
Some of the specific factors that affect your weight loss progress are described in more detail below.
You Haven’t Changed Your Diet
Ozempic can reduce your appetite, so you might eat less while taking it. However, if you haven’t actually made changes to your diet, you won’t lose weight.
Patients participating in clinical research[5] with ozempic were instructed to maintain a balanced diet with a deficit of 500 calories per day. This means that they were consuming 500 fewer calories than they burned. This would equate to a successful weight loss of 1-pound weight loss per week.
If you haven’t been tracking what you eat, now might be the time to start. You may be consuming more calories than you realize. Use an online calorie calculator to estimate your daily calorie burn and ensure you consume less than you burn each day.
These calculators aren’t always entirely accurate, but they can give you an idea of what you’re burning daily. Another way to get an idea of your basal metabolism is to calculate 30-35 kcal per kg[6] of ideal body weight. Establishing your baseline metabolic rate and then tracking your caloric intake may be a real eye-opener for those who think they are following their diet and don’t know that a lack of information may hinder weight loss progress.
You could also drink water to lose weight if you struggle to stay in a calorie deficit. Water will make you feel fuller, which could help you keep your caloric intake lower. Be sure to include healthy fats in your meal plan, as monounsaturated fats found in avocados and nuts have a thermogenic component that may boost your metabolism. Lean protein and fiber are also satiating and will help you with lean muscle mass gain and sustainable weight loss.
You Aren’t Exercising
Ozempic won’t fix a sedentary lifestyle. If you aren’t experiencing fat gain with Ozempic, it could be due to a lack of exercise prohibiting you from achieving successful weight loss.
In the clinical study[7] that showed Ozempic works for weight loss, participants were encouraged to exercise 150 minutes weekly.
Adding regular exercise to your routine will increase your daily calorie burn. This makes it easier to stay in a calorie deficit for weight loss. Thirty minutes of walking, five days per week, can help you to reach the 150-minute target.
You’re Not Being Patient
It’s common for people to want to learn how to lose weight quickly on Ozempic, but this is unrealistic. It is especially unrealistic for those with underlying health conditions that may affect their ability to exercise.
Clinical trials with Ozempic have tested the long-term effects of this medication. One trial[8] followed people for 48 weeks, or nearly one year. The average weight loss with Ozempic during this time was 7.9% of body weight.
This is equal to 15.8 pounds of weight loss for someone who started at 200 pounds. These results suggest that Ozempic weight loss is slow and steady and that patience is needed.
The Dose Is Incorrect
For Ozempic to affect weight loss significantly, you need to be on the correct dose. The FDA has approved Ozempic for weight loss, with weekly doses of 1.7 to 2.4 milligrams being ideal.
Research[9] has demonstrated that patients receiving higher doses of Ozempic lose more weight than those on lower doses. If you’re not losing weight, you might need a higher dose.
With gradual increases in your dose, weight loss with Ozempic is likely to improve. Your doctor will start you on a lower dose. If that dose is tolerated, they may adjust you to a higher dose as needed.
You’ve Hit A Plateau
If you saw an initial weight loss but are not losing weight with Ozempic, it’s possible you’ve reached a plateau. As is the case with most weight loss plans, eventually, fat loss slows or stalls.
Research[10] has shown that it is common for patients to hit a weight loss plateau 60 months after starting Ozempic. While the drug may have led to faster weight loss initially, you could eventually build tolerance and hit a plateau.
Similarly, medication can only reduce your appetite to a certain extent. If you continue to consume the same number of calories, your weight loss will eventually come to a stop.
When you weigh more, you burn more calories per day. As your weight decreases, your daily calorie burn will also decline. This means that if you continue consuming the same number of calories daily, your calorie deficit will no longer be as large.
Some people may use health and wellness supplements to successfully move through a plateau.
How To Lose Weight Fast On Ozempic
It’s common for people to want to learn how to lose weight fast on Ozempic. While this may be what is desired, the truth is that Ozempic weight loss should be slow and steady.
It’s critical to follow a healthy diet to lose weight safely while taking Ozempic. Ultimately, you must be in a calorie deficit to lose weight. You can achieve a calorie deficit by reducing the number of calories you consume and by increasing the number of calories you expend. As mentioned earlier, tracking your daily calorie intake is also helpful.
Beyond changing your diet, it’s important to make time for exercise. Physical activity will increase your daily calorie burn, making staying in a calorie deficit easier.
Finally, stay in close communication with your doctor and registered dietitian. Over time, you may need to adjust your dose, meal plan, and activity schedule. To be successful with Ozempic weight loss, adopt healthy habits. If you have difficulty sticking to a diet, you can work with a registered dietitian to learn new strategies. A dietitian can help you determine how many carbs you need per day to lose weight.
Precautions
If you’re using Ozempic for weight loss, it’s important to take your medication exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes it. It’s also essential that you’re aware of potential safety issues. For instance, some people may experience side effects with this medication or problems from skipping doses.
Common Ozempic side effects include[11] nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach pain. Talk with your doctor if these side effects are severe.
This means being aware of daily carbs for those with diabetes, even when you’re taking Ozempic.
It’s also important to understand that Ozempic withdrawal symptoms can include weight gain. In one study,[12] patients who stopped using Ozempic regained two-thirds of their lost weight. This weight gain occurred over the year following Ozempic discontinuation. No information was given on whether the patients had changed their lifestyle habits.
In addition to regaining weight, patients who stop Ozempic also see declines in health markers. Blood pressure and blood sugar readings increase,[13] which can come with health risks.
Lifestyle changes are necessary for weight loss with Ozempic. It’s important to sustain these changes in lifestyle factors, including dietary habits and regular exercise, after you stop taking it to maintain your weight loss efforts.
Conclusion
Ozempic weight loss occurs because this medication reduces appetite. In turn, people taking Ozempic tend to consume less food, leading to weight loss. While this may be the case, Ozempic is not a magic pill.
You still need to make positive lifestyle changes for a more significant weight loss on Ozempic. It’s important to track your calorie intake, avoid skipping doses, maintain a balanced diet with lots of lean proteins, avoid high-fat foods, and engage in regular physical activity to see significant weight loss results.
If Ozempic isn’t working, evaluate whether you’ve truly changed your diet and exercise habits. Without lifestyle changes, a change in body composition is unlikely. On the other hand, if you’ve made these changes, it might be time to talk with your doctor about your treatment plan and altering your dose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ozempic helps with slow, steady weight loss. Clinical trials[14] have followed people for as long as 48 months. Average weight loss is 7.9% of body weight over this time.
Long-term research[15] with Ozempic has shown that weight loss tends to plateau after about 60 weeks. About a year after starting the medication, you may experience a plateau.
Ozempic weight loss is meant to be slow and steady. You will likely see faster results if you exercise and follow a reduced-calorie diet to create a larger calorie deficit.
If Ozempic isn’t working, you might have hit a plateau. Alternatively, you may need to be more patient or adjust your dose. Lack of exercise and poor diet can also contribute to Ozempic not working.