You’ve started semaglutide, followed your provider’s instructions, and maybe even improved your eating habits—but the scale is barely moving. If your weight loss feels frustratingly slow, don’t panic. Let’s break down the possible reasons and how to stay on track.

1. Slow Progress Is Still Progress

Many people expect rapid results with semaglutide due to dramatic before-and-after stories online. But the clinical trials actually show average weight loss of 1–2 pounds per week over several months. Losing weight slowly:

• Helps preserve muscle mass

• Is easier to sustain long-term

• May reflect healthy lifestyle changes, not just medication effects

Remember, this is a marathon, not a sprint.

2. Your Dose May Still Be Too Low

Semaglutide usually starts at a low dose (0.25 mg) to minimize side effects. The therapeutic dose for weight loss is often 1.7–2.4 mg per week (Wegovy) or up to 2.0 mg (Ozempic).

If you’re still in the titration phase:

• You may not be seeing the full appetite-suppressing effects

• Your body is still adjusting to the medication

Be patient and stay consistent—most people notice more significant changes after reaching the higher doses.

3. Your Metabolism May Be Sluggish

Some bodies resist weight loss more than others due to genetics, hormones, or past dieting history. Conditions like:

• Hypothyroidism

• PCOS

• Insulin resistance

• Chronic inflammation

…can make weight loss much slower even on medications like semaglutide.

If you suspect an underlying issue, talk to your doctor about blood tests and metabolic screenings.

4. You Might Be Gaining Muscle

If you’ve started walking more, doing resistance training, or just moving more overall, you may be gaining lean body mass.

This is a good thing, even if the scale doesn’t reflect it.

Try tracking:

• Waist and hip measurements

• How clothes fit

• Progress photos

• Energy levels and mood

These indicators often show progress long before the scale catches up.

5. You’re Still Consuming More Than You Burn

Semaglutide reduces hunger—but it doesn’t guarantee a calorie deficit. Common culprits include:

• High-calorie “healthy” foods (nuts, smoothies, avocado toast)

• Alcohol and sugary beverages

• Large restaurant portions

• Underestimating snacks and bites

Try tracking your food for a week to spot patterns. Even a 200-calorie surplus can stall weight loss over time.

6. Stress and Sleep May Be Holding You Back

Chronic stress and poor sleep raise cortisol levels, which can make it harder to lose fat. Semaglutide can help control appetite, but it can’t override your body’s hormonal response to:

• Poor sleep hygiene

• Mental exhaustion

• Overtraining or burnout

Try to prioritize 7–8 hours of quality sleep and stress-reducing habits like walking, journaling, or deep breathing.

7. Plateaus Are Part of the Process

Almost everyone hits a weight loss plateau at some point. This can happen even when you’re doing everything right. Plateaus can last days, weeks, or even a month—but that doesn’t mean semaglutide has stopped working.

Keep going. Stay consistent. Most plateaus eventually break.

How to Support Slow Weight Loss on Semaglutide

Here are some ways to help your body respond better to the medication:

✅ Stay hydrated and eat protein-rich meals
✅ Avoid skipping meals (can lead to overeating later)
✅ Don’t over-restrict—aim for sustainable eating
✅ Add low-impact movement daily (like walking or yoga)
✅ Track non-scale victories (NSVs)

Final Word: Slow Doesn’t Mean Stalled

slow weight loss on semaglutide not losing weight on semaglutide but your journey is uniquely yours. If you’re losing weight slowly on semaglutide, take it as a sign that your body is adjusting safely and sustainably. Stay consistent, stay curious, and trust the process.