08th March 2024
Weight Loss Plateau While on GLP-1 Medications?: What To Do Next
Dr. Jill Barat, PharmDIf you are using Ozempic or Wegovy for weight loss, you might experience pretty steady weight loss in the beginning. However, as time goes on, you may notice a significant slowing of weight loss or even a stall entirely.
This situation is referred to as the “weight loss plateau” that can happen with these medications. Generally, you will not gain any weight while staying on these medications, but you may not be seeing the weight declines that happened easily at the start of treatment.
Below, we will outline why this weight loss plateau can happen with GLP-1 medications, when you might expect this to happen, and what you can do about it.
Why can a weight loss plateau happen while using Ozempic or Wegovy?
The weight loss plateau that some people are experiencing with Ozempic or Wegovy isn’t necessarily tied to these medications – a weight loss plateau can happen with any weight loss strategy.
Basically, as your body loses weight and gets closer to your goal weight, it will try harder to resist weight loss. This may be in the form of making you feel hungrier, or lowering your metabolism. This effect can happen from any weight loss measure, not just Ozempic or Wegovy.
When does a weight loss plateau with Ozempic or Wegovy tend to happen?
According to studies, there is a more common time period for a weight loss plateau to occur during your treatment with these medications.
Weight loss plateaus may be seen more commonly after about 60 weeks on these medications. And, given that this is over a year into treatment, this is actually pretty good.
What to do about a weight loss plateau on GLP-1 medications
Just because you are experiencing a plateau with your weight loss from Ozempic or Wegovy, it doesn’t mean you are stuck there.
There are some actions you can take to try and get past this plateau.
Firstly, take a look at your physical activity levels and workouts. Are there some ways that these can be increased in time or intensity? You may also want to consider incorporating weight-training workouts if you haven’t already. Having more muscle can be a great way to raise your metabolism overall.
Second, consider your diet and see if there are ways that you can improve the general health of your meals, or reduce the caloric density. If your plateau is happening over a year into your pretty steady weight loss, it may be possible that you have let some healthy eating habits slip over time since you were seeing progress.
Finally, if you have tried diet and exercise improvements to no avail, it may be time to consult with your doctor. If you are not using the highest dosage of Ozempic or Wegovy, this might be a good time to increase. Also, your doctor may consider other medications that may be somewhat stronger, like Tirzepatide. They may also suggest supplements for metabolism support.
Combine all these strategies together to hopefully get you past your Ozempic or Wegovy plateau.
PeptideVite from Zen Nutrients to support your progress
Here at Zen Nutrients, we carry a PeptideVite supplement meant to aid in metabolism support.* This supplement was developed by pharmacists and doctors as an aid to Ozempic or Wegovy treatments to increase adherence and progress.*
Liver health is also important for a fast metabolism. The Everyday Liver Vitamin was developed to help manage liver fat metabolism and help maintain healthy lipid levels.* The inclusion of the BergaCynFF® bergamot and artichoke ingredient is thought to be the powerhouse of this liver support supplement.
Learn more about PeptideVite and The Everyday Liver Vitamin today and see if it can help you on your GLP-1 weight loss journey.*
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.