
Medications such as Ozempic have been a complete game-changer when it comes to individuals on a fitness journey from obesity or overweight to a healthy weight category. It has been proven to help individuals lose more than 7% of their body mass when coupled with lifestyle interventions.
However, if you are asking yourself ‘Why am I not losing weight on Ozempic?’ despite taking your dose regularly, there could be several reasons for it. Read the complete list of hindrances in your path to weight loss along with solutions to get rid of them.
Understanding Weight Loss on Ozempic
It is a GLP-1 medication primarily prescribed to people with type 2 diabetes. It is an injectable medication administered once a week for its effectiveness in managing blood sugar levels, increasing insulin production, and treating obesity when coupled with lifestyle improvements in diet and exercise.
10 Reasons Why You Are Not Losing Weight on Ozempic
Due to its efficacy in curbing hunger by slowing the pace of digestion, it is often prescribed off-label to people with obesity to support them in their fitness journey.
Despite its success in supporting weight management confirmed in multiple trials, some patients are unable to experience the expected results. This blog outlines reasons why this could be slower than expected on this drug and offers strategies to maximize effectiveness. Take a read!
1. Not Enough Time on Medication
You are expecting the results to show too soon. Ozempic like any other drug takes time to kick in. Effective weight loss with it can take at least 3 to 6 months to register. A study of 175 patients found the individuals observed average weight loss percentages to be 5.9% in a quarter and 10.9% in half a year. However, each body is different.
So, how long does it really take to start losing weight on Ozempic?
Some may require several weeks to adjust to the medication, with significant results often observed only after the 20-week mark. Additionally, starting doses prescribed by physicians are typically low to minimize side effects, and provide time for the body to get used to the drug. This further slows initial progress but is needed to lose weight healthily. .
2. Lack of Caloric Deficit
The Ozempic mechanism lowers cravings and hinders food-seeking behaviors. However, if you are consuming ultra-processed food and refined sugar with high-calorie amounts due to your sweet tooth and love for yummy food, this would counter its effects on your system.
Being mindful of what you eat, taking nutrient-dense, low-calorie foods, and avoiding overeating will ensure that calorie intake does not exceed what the body needs. When your body consumes fewer calories than it needs, it starts burning fat to meet the calorie requirement.
3. Hitting a Weight Loss Plateau
At times, you lose some weight by taking this medicine but after a while, you hit a weight-loss plateau. You do everything right and still aren’t able to shed your pounds. This makes you wonder whether your Ozempic pen is working or not.
This happens because when you eat fewer calories and your body starts to burn the stored fat, the brain takes stock of the situation and slows down your metabolism. Since our bodies are wired to help us survive, the brain takes reduced food consumption as a sign of fewer food resources available and ensures you don’t lose the fat stored even when you are consuming fewer calories. Hence, you hit a weight loss plateau.
Hitting a plateau during your fitness journey is quite common. Fortunately, maintaining a consistent exercise and dietary routine can help break past the plateau.
4. Incorrect Dosage of Ozempic
The dosage recommended by your physician in the initial phase may be too low to show a significant impact on your body weight. The dosage is gradually increased to optimize efficacy and reduce the side effects.
On the other hand, exceeding your recommended dosage increases the risk of experiencing side effects such as nausea, low blood sugar, and more.
Consult your healthcare provider about adjusting the dosage to achieve maximum weight loss with this drug.
5. Insufficient Physical Activity
Ozempic can prove to be a valuable tool in weight management as it reduces hunger and ensures less calorie intake. However, you must exercise regularly and burn calories to sustain it. Plus, working out regularly builds muscle mass, and boosts metabolism which will help you maintain your physical fitness.
Get at least 150 minutes of light exercise per week. You could walk in nature, swim, cycle, jog, or dance. Any kind of movement included in your day would have significant health benefits. Combining this medication with a balanced diet and regular exercise, you can fast-track your weight loss journey and improve your overall well-being.
6. High-stress Levels
Stress is not just a killer of a good mood and a happy state of mind, it can be a major obstacle in your weight loss journey. When you are under a lot of stress, your body releases a hormone called cortisol. The elevated levels of this stress hormone can cause cravings for high-calorie foods like sugary treats and processed foods.
Incorporating stress-management practices such as mindfulness or yoga can help reduce cortisol levels in the body. Always take the mind-body connection into account. The calmer your mind, the healthier your body. Rekindle a hobby, connect with others, laugh out loud to release stress, and effectively lose weight.
7. Poor Sleep Quality
Have you ever grabbed a midnight snack? Who doesn’t? When your body does not get the required sleep, its metabolic cycles get disrupted and food cravings increase. This could obstruct your weight loss efforts.
Prioritize sleeping for at least 7-8 hours each night for a balanced metabolism and a well-rested body that naturally does not crave unhealthy foods. Maintain a consistent sleep schedule with a calming bedtime routine for better sleep quality. This would boost your metabolism, keep untimely hunger pangs at bay, and ultimately, reach your ideal weight.
8. Underlying Medical Conditions & Counter-interactions
Certain health conditions, such as hypothyroidism or insulin resistance, can interfere with other medications. Certain antidepressants or beta-blockers can also cause a slow down in weight loss.
To maximize the impact of Ozempic, track side effects, if any, and schedule regular check-ups.
9. Non-compliance with Medication Protocol
Missing doses or altering the frequency reduces its capability to promote weight loss. This drug takes time to work and timely dosages allow your body to adjust to it. When doses are skipped, the impact is delayed.
Also, inconsistent dosing can lead to fluctuations in blood sugar levels, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.
If adhering to its regimen is difficult for you, communicate this to your healthcare provider. They will adjust your dosage and offer tips for managing side effects.
10. No Notable Results From Ozempic Still – Time to switch?
It may be the medication that’s getting results for others, but it might not be for your body if you don’t see sizable results from its long-term use. You can switch to other medications that can be prescribed for weight loss such as Wegovy, Mounjaro and more.
What to do if you’re not losing weight on Ozempic?
As explained earlier, you need to combine your medication with numerous lifestyle changes that benefit your overall well-being. Integrating the following healthy habits into life can supplement its impact and accelerate weight loss.
- Eat a balanced, protein-rich diet
- Get 7-8 hours of sleep
- Manage stress well
- Do regular exercise
FAQs
Q1. When is it time to switch to a different medication?
Ans. – If Ozempic isn’t having the desired effect, you need to get an evaluation with a healthcare provider. This way, potential barriers that hinder its effectiveness can be identified and addressed.
You can switch to other weight loss prescription medications such as Wegovy, Oral tablets like Saxenda, or natural alternatives like aloe vera, turmeric, magnesium, and more.
Q2. Why should you consider working with a dietitian while taking Ozempic?
Ans. – A dietician can help you create a balanced, personalized nutrition plan that will help you achieve sustainable weight loss. Plus, having assistance and accountability from a nutrition expert will help you stay excited and on track in your fitness journey.
Q3. Why am I still hungry on Ozempic?
Ans. – Each body has a different biochemistry. Moreover, appetite can be influenced by factors such as the level of physical activity, mood, and the surrounding environment.
If you recently started taking this medicine and still experience a high appetite, it could be because your body is still adjusting to the medication. You may also need a larger dose and can increase your dosage after consulting your doctor.
Disclaimer: This information is intended for general knowledge and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.