Why am I not losing weight on Ozempic?

December 28. 2022

This year, Ozempic and weight loss have become a topic discussed by everyone trying to lose weight. This type 2 diabetes medication that helps control blood sugar levels is running for the most seek for weight loss treatment of the year.An incredible side effect of this blood sugar control injectable pen is it also helps people lose weight. Since the clinical trials result showed that Ozempic is a great way to boost a weight loss journey, thousands of people started enhancing their weight treatments with Ozempic. Even celebrities went wild with his new drug. Are you one of the many people who jumped on board the Ozempic and weight loss train? Then we bet you were expecting to get the amazing benefits this medication promises. But if that did not happen, you might wonder: “why am I not losing weight on Ozempic?”

Everyone is sharing their Ozempic weight loss journey, and if it is not giving you results, you should feel frustrated. Maybe you are even thinking of quitting the treatment. The truth is that the way Ozempic works for weight loss can be a little complicated. Your healthcare provider should gradually adjust the dosage until they find the right balance for you. If you are thinking: “why am I not losing weight on Ozempic?” do not worry anymore. Our professional experts from our weight loss clinic in Chicago explain why this can be happening and how to reverse it.

How Ozempic works

Ozempic is the brand name of an active compound called Semaglutide. This drug, manufactured by the pharmaceutical Novo Nordisk is used to improve blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. The hormone on the active ingredient, known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), works by stimulating insulin secretion from the pancreas, which helps control blood sugar levels.

This medication was approved to manage blood sugar control back in 2017. In the clinical trials conducted by Novo Nordisk on over 1,900 patients, Ozempic showed an incredible side effect: weight loss. The subject that received the drug for a period of 68 weeks presented a weight loss of about 14% of their body weight by the end of the trial. Those patients also committed to leading a healthy lifestyle – diet and exercise – during their participation in the study. Basically, Ozempic works as an appetite suppressant. GLP-1 hormone helps slow down gastric emptying, making you feel satisfied for longer after you eat. Ozempic weight loss side effect keeps mesmerizing people who continue turning to this drug to enhance their lose weight goals.

Ozempic is not officially an approved weight loss supplement, at least not yet. The pharmaceutical company has already asked the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its approval. Everything on the horizon looks positive. So there are enough reasons to believe Ozempic will be joining the long list of FDA-approved medical weight loss supplements any time soon.

Why am I not losing weight on Ozempic?

Ozempic has already helped thousands of people lose weight at an incredible speed, making their weight loss journey easier. Did you recently start an Ozempic weight loss treatment and are not seeing any results yet? If that is your case, you must be thinking: “I am not losing weight on Ozempic; why?” Keep reading this article to learn the possible reasons.

You expect fast results

There are no magical pills or convenient shortcuts when trying to lose weight. It is a process. And like any other process, it takes time, commitment, and dedication. You better embrace yourself with a little bit of patience before going on board any weight loss treatment. Besides, Ozempic does not work the same in every person; some will see results in weeks, while others only after a few months. But do not let time discourage you; slow progress is still progress.

You need to adjust your dosage

No matter your current weight, Ozempic treatment always starts with a minimal dose of 0.25mg supplied through an injectable pen once a week. That dosage can go up to 2mg. Not everybody will need to increase the dosage to the maximum amount allowed to reach their desired outcome. In the same way, not every patient will require the same amount of Ozempic to obtain results. Whatever the case, the dose must be increased gradually following the strict advice of your healthcare provider. You might not see the expected results until you reach the weekly amount your body needs. Again, being patient and consistent is key to reaching your goal.

You do not lead a healthy lifestyle

Remember that Ozempic works better when combined with diet and physical activity. Actually, almost any supplement, such as phentermine for weight loss, brings results when paired with a balanced diet and exercise. To achieve weight loss, you have to reach a calorie deficit. That happens when you burn more calories than you eat during the day. If you continue indulging in poor eating habits, that will prevent you from losing weight fast. Binge eating, not sticking to a healthy diet, and consuming high-calorie foods such as junk food and sweetened beverages can slow down your weight loss goal. The same happens if you do not exercise enough to help your body to burn all those extra calories you want to get rid of. Other factors of an unhealthy lifestyle that can mess with your weight loss are: not drinking enough water, not getting enough sleep, and stress. 

You have reached a weight loss plateau

A weight loss plateau occurs when you reach a point in your treatment or diet when your weight loss stops. Although frustrating, it is totally normal to experience this at some point. When you lose weight, along with fat, you also lose muscle. Muscles help your metabolism work properly. After losing too much muscle, your metabolism tends to slow down. A slower metabolism means slower weight loss. You can be taking Ozempic and sticking to the same diet that helped you lose weight fast at the beginning, but because your metabolism changed, your weight loss stops. Generally speaking, a weight loss plateau sticks around for some weeks. Once your body adjusts to your new weight and changes, you start losing weight again.

How to make Ozempic more effective

There are ways to enhance your weight loss treatment. You can try these tips to ensure getting the most out of Ozempic:

• Stick to a low-calorie diet: you have to complement your Ozempic treatment with a healthy low-calorie diet such as the keto diet. Cutting down your calorie intake es crucial to achieving weight loss. Ozempic will help you stay full for longer, but you must eat healthy foods and stick to a balanced diet. There are hundreds of diets you can follow. Finding the one that better fits your needs will be easy. Schedule an appointment with a nutritionist and work towards your ideal meal plan to lose weight. 
• Avoid alcohol: alcohol is one of weight loss’s worst enemies. Try to suppress all alcoholic drinks from your life, at least during your Ozempic treatment. Also, alcohol can provoke undesired side effects when combined with this drug.
• Fasting: many patients affirm that Ozempic and fasting are the perfect match to lose weight fast. We recommend you get informed about fasting and the stages of fasting by hour to make this combination even more efficient.
• Exercise: physical activity is a must when trying to lose weight, even when we talk about just a few pounds. If signing in to a gym is not your thing, there are other options you can resort to. Start a new sport or a dancing class, go for a run or a walk regularly, or go for a bike ride. The goal is to stay active. You can opt for working out at home or doing activities that keep you moving, such as intense house cleaning. 
• Ask for help from a professional: one of the best ways to stay consistent in your weight loss efforts is counting on an experienced healthcare provider. A professional will guide you through your entire journey and give you the best advice to take full advantage of the benefits of Ozempic and lose weight fast

Final thoughts

By now, you should have a clear answer to your question: why am I not losing weight on Ozempic? The factors could be many; Ozempic effects can vary on different people. The rate at which you lose weight can differ from other people’s. And that is just fine. But if you stay consistent and lead a healthy lifestyle, you will eventually reach your goal.

If you have more questions or want to start using Ozempic to lose weight, you can schedule your appointment with us. We are happy to help you achieve your dreamt weight.

Author

Nurse Walton

Born and raised in Chicago, IL, Chanay received her Practical Nurse licensure and went to work in clinical specialties such as Home Health, Assisted Living, Long-Term Care and Dialysis Centers. Through this work, she realized the importance of diet, nutrition and weight loss among her patients. This led her to open A Better Weigh, Inc. Medical Weight Loss Center in 2009.