Why Am I Not Losing Weight On Semaglutide
Obesity is one of the most common diseases in not only developing but also in developed countries. And we cannot deny the fact that it is the mother of many other illnesses like heart disease, heart attack and high blood pressure.
Many weight loss medications help users lose weight while not compromising their health, and Semaglutide is one of them. It is an FDA-approved injectable medication that mimics the action of glucagon in the human body. It is often combined with diet and regular exercise for weight management.
Health professionals usually start with a 0.25 mg dose once a week for 4 weeks to reduce the risk of adverse reactions. After 4 weeks, the dose will be increased to 0.5mg per week for another 4 weeks. Your doctor will then increase your dose every 4 weeks until you reach your maximum maintenance dose of 2.4mg per week for Wegovy or 1mg per week for Ozempic. Depending on how your body reacts to the dose, your doctor may increase it further. The whole process of improving your dose may take up to 3 months. Studies have shown that a low dose can cause 25% of people to gain weight, while those on higher doses see more significant weight loss.
Dehydration is one of the most common side effects of Ozempic use. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor your daily water intake and keep an eye on your thirst. Adequate fluid intake can also help with gastrointestinal issues, such as constipation.
Many people find that the first signs of weight loss don’t appear until they take Semaglutide for 20 weeks. If you’re still struggling to lose weight, look at how long it has been since you started taking Semaglutide. If it’s been over 20 weeks, talk to your doctor to see if a higher dose might help you achieve your weight loss goals.
Exercising can also increase metabolism, which helps the body burn calories more effectively. This is particularly true when you combine aerobic and resistance training exercises. Combining these exercises can help you gain muscle mass while losing fat.Sleep deprivation and lack of energy can also reduce exercise and physical activity, lowering your overall calorie intake.
How Does Semaglutide Work?
Unlike other weight loss drugs, Semaglutide has been proven in clinical trials that it is one of the best treatments for weight loss. However, how does it work? There are many different types of Semaglutides. Ozempic is one of them. It is a weekly injection designed for diabetics to help manage and control their blood sugar levels. Another type of weight loss drug is Wegovy. Unlike Ozempic, Wegovy is a licensed weight loss medication in the UK. Wegovy is also one of our medication options at Juniper. Because Wegovy is given in higher doses than Ozempic, it helps you lose more weight. When you eat, your digestive system releases a hormone called GLP-1. GLP-1 regulates insulin secretion, which helps keep blood sugar levels in check. Semaglutide mimics this hormone, making it an effective treatment for diabetes and insulin resistance. It also reduces appetite by signalling to your brain that you have eaten and are full, reducing your appetite. The medication acts like this natural hormone, keeping you full for longer and reducing the rate at which food is digested in your stomach. Clinical trials have shown that semaglutid is an effective weight-loss medication. It significantly reduced participants’ appetite and cravings, reducing the urge to eat fatty, energy-rich foods.Reasons you might not be losing weight on Semaglutide
Not Taking Semaglutide Properly
Semaglutide is effective when taken as directed. Skipping doses or not following the recommended schedule can slow the weight loss results. Patients are usually prescribed a low dose initially to reduce the risk of adverse reactions such as nausea, vomiting, and other side effects. Your doctor may gradually increase the dose as they become accustomed to the medication.
Health professionals usually start with a 0.25 mg dose once a week for 4 weeks to reduce the risk of adverse reactions. After 4 weeks, the dose will be increased to 0.5mg per week for another 4 weeks. Your doctor will then increase your dose every 4 weeks until you reach your maximum maintenance dose of 2.4mg per week for Wegovy or 1mg per week for Ozempic. Depending on how your body reacts to the dose, your doctor may increase it further. The whole process of improving your dose may take up to 3 months. Studies have shown that a low dose can cause 25% of people to gain weight, while those on higher doses see more significant weight loss.
Inappropriate Diet Choices
No foods are completely cut off while taking Semaglutide. However, certain foods should be restricted or avoided if possible. This is because certain foods increase the risk of side effects like bloating, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, cramping, etc. Fatty or saturated foods also increase the risk of weight gain. Therefore, limiting the following foods significantly reduces the risk of adverse side effects:- Avoid alcohol intake
- Avoid fried and greasy food
- Limit sugary foods
- Avoid Glycemic vegetables and fruits
- Eat smaller meals
- Avoid carbonated drinks
- Avoid high caffeine intake
Dehydration is one of the most common side effects of Ozempic use. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor your daily water intake and keep an eye on your thirst. Adequate fluid intake can also help with gastrointestinal issues, such as constipation.
You Need More Time
It takes time to lose weight with any new treatment. In the Semaglutide trial (1 year and 4 months), some people lost more weight than others, but most lost weight within the first 4 weeks. Another study (1.0 mg, 56 weeks) found that people who took 1.0 mg lost an average of 13 pounds over the same time period. Like any new treatment, you must be patient when starting your new therapy. Treat yourself as one with the medication to help you lose weight gradually and sustainably. Semaglutide is a long-acting medication that’s started at a lower dose to reduce the number and severity of side effects as it’s built up to a higher maintenance dose.
Many people find that the first signs of weight loss don’t appear until they take Semaglutide for 20 weeks. If you’re still struggling to lose weight, look at how long it has been since you started taking Semaglutide. If it’s been over 20 weeks, talk to your doctor to see if a higher dose might help you achieve your weight loss goals.
Lack of Medical Support and Counselling
Working closely with your licensed healthcare provider throughout your weight loss process is essential. Weight loss is a process. It does not happen overnight, although it would be great if it did. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are frustrated with the process. Ask about the treatment you are receiving and what steps you can take to improve your treatment. For example, you may find that a change in your lifestyle will help speed up the effectiveness of your Wegovy treatment. You may also need to treat a medical condition before you can begin to experience the full benefits of weight loss medications. Your healthcare provider can track your condition and the effectiveness of any prescription medications you use.You’re Not Getting Enough Sleep
Poor sleep can cause hormonal shifts in your body, leading to various problems and changes, including weight gain. While the body may respond well to weight gain and prevent it from growing, it may not respond well enough to counteract the weight gain and keep you from losing weight. If you’re having trouble sleeping alone, it’s essential to talk to your healthcare provider about how you’re sleeping. Take a look at your sleep habits and make changes if necessary. Making healthy sleep a part of your daily routine can help you get the results you’re looking for. Poor sleep is associated with high cortisol levels, which can lead to obesity. To improve sleep hygiene, turn in and wake up at the same time each day, wind down before bed, and avoid using cell phones, laptops, or tablets right before you try to sleep. These devices are a significant part of our daily lives but can also disrupt sleep quality.You May Need to Increase Your Physical Activity
The effectiveness of semaglutide in weight loss is increased when combined with regular physical activity (exercise) and diet. Exercise increases calorie burning and improves metabolic health, increasing the medication’s effectiveness. Each week, exercise should consist of 75 minutes of high-intensity aerobic activity (e.g., running) or 150 minutes of moderate (e.g., walking or swimming). Strengthen all major muscle groups with strength training exercises at least twice weekly.
Exercising can also increase metabolism, which helps the body burn calories more effectively. This is particularly true when you combine aerobic and resistance training exercises. Combining these exercises can help you gain muscle mass while losing fat.Sleep deprivation and lack of energy can also reduce exercise and physical activity, lowering your overall calorie intake.
You’ve Reached a Plateau
Weight-loss plateaus are normal and a necessary part of the weight-loss process. Being on semaglutide doesn’t prevent us from experiencing weight-loss plateaus. Here is a quick summary of what weight loss plateaus are: You’ll want to lose weight and lose it fast. But your body isn’t programmed to do that. Your body sees weight as a negative thing. It sees it as a sign of famine and starvation. That’s why your body will try to slow down your metabolism after you lose a certain amount. This may seem frustrating to your mind, but it’s your body’s way of protecting itself. By sticking to a diet, exercising, and following a medication regimen, eventually, your metabolism will speed up, and you’ll be able to lose weight faster. However, this process can take a few weeks or months. There’s no way to speed up the process. You just have to cross that plateau and get on the other side.You Are Dealing With An Underlying Health Condition
In some cases, other health conditions can slow or reduce the effects of Semaglutide. For example, obesity can sometimes lead to problems such as insulin resistance. In some cases, diabetes can slow down the impact of the medication. Patients with complex metabolic profiles are more likely to experience slower weight loss than those with less complex health conditions. Other health conditions, such as kidney problems, liver problems, and psychological issues, can also reduce the effectiveness of the medication. If you are having difficulty losing weight, consult your doctor to determine if an underlying health condition is preventing you from losing weight. It is essential to inform your provider of your medical history and what medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Semaglutide. This will help to reduce the risk of adverse drug interactions. Additionally, it will give your provider a better understanding of your health condition and any potential health issues hindering the weight loss.How Can I Make Semaglutide Work More Effectively?
Here are some general tips that may help maximize weight loss while using semaglutide:- The most important thing to remember is that this medication is a supplement, not a replacement. The medication will work much better if you eat right and exercise more. If you have been sedentary for a long time, don’t expect to find yourself spending your days at the gym suddenly. Small changes like parking away from stores and using the stairs instead of the elevator can make a big difference.
- Cutting your daily calorie intake by about 500 calories is a good starting point. Aim for less than 1,500 total calories per day. However, don’t do this on your own. You’ll need to follow your doctor’s guidelines while on this diet. For most people, reducing their alcohol consumption is an easy way to cut calories. Alcohol has no calories, so when you drink it, you’ll end up with empty calories (up to 500 in the case of mixed cocktails that include fruit juices and ice cream or heavy cream) as well as sugar-sweetened sweeteners.
- It’s essential to get a good night’s sleep. Aim for 7 to 8 hours a night, as sleep affects your metabolism and stops hormonal shifts that can slow down weight loss.
- Reduce stress levels by engaging in stress-relieving activities, such as walking, reading books, keeping a journal, meditating, or taking deep breaths.
- Self-tracking is a straightforward and effective way to keep track of your progress, particularly if you’re taking weight loss drugs like semagliflozin. It can be as simple as tracking what you eat each day or using a calculator to count your calories, or as complex as using a mobile or web application to monitor your daily calorie intake, body weight, exercise intensity, and more.