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How Much Weight Can You Lose on Wegovy?
Medically reviewed by
Dr. IkejiLast reviewed: 13 Jan 2025
A Week by Week Guide to Losing Weight on Wegovy
Wegovy is one of the most effective weight loss injections available, with research showing that it can lead to an average of loss of around 15% of your body weight after 68 weeks. However, it can be unclear how much weight loss you can expect to lose once you start treatment.
In this guide, we’ll provide you with insights into potential weekly weight loss you can expect to lose on Wegovy, and the factors that can impact your weight loss journey so that you can make the right decisions for you and your health.
How much weight can I lose on Wegovy?
How much weight you can lose on Wegovy will depend on how your body reacts to the active ingredient, semaglutide, and the lifestyle changes you make to support your weight loss journey.
On average, people who use the highest maintenance Wegovy dose of 2.4mg per week can lose around 15% of their starting body weight. The Wegovy dosage schedule will help you to reach the maximum dosage gradually over 17 weeks to help limit the risk of side effects and give your body time to adjust to the medication.
In this section, we’ll explore:
- how much weight you can expect to lose across the treatment at different dosages
- potential side effects you may experience along the way
Weeks 1 - 2 (Starting Dose)
Before you start using your injections you’ll need to choose an injection day and time that suits you, preferably when you’ll be at home. If you follow the dosing schedule correctly the day you choose, this should be the same day you inject Wegovy each week.
When you first start using Wegovy weight loss injections you’ll be given the starting dose of 0.25mg per week for 4 weeks.
You may experience some side effects during the first couple of weeks as your body gets used to Wegovy. These may include:
- headaches
- feeling or being sick
- diarrhoea
- tummy pain
- constipation
- feeling tired
You should be able to manage these mild side effects at home by:
- getting plenty of rest
- drinking plenty of water
- eating smaller, easily digestible meals (like soup) and avoiding fatty, oily foods
- taking over-the-counter-painkillers
As your body gets used to semaglutide (Wegovy), these effects should subside and go away on their own. Side effects are also minimised when you follow the necessary health and lifestyle changes suggested by your doctor as you begin the treatment, but if you are concerned, let your doctor know.
Wegovy will be most effective when used alongside a healthy diet and exercise plan. When you request Wegovy treatment from Superdrug Online Doctor, you’ll receive a complete weight loss support pack curated by our in-house nutritionists, including a weight loss tracker and food diary. You should start filling these in during your first week to help you keep track of your progress.
Weeks 3 - 4
Although you will still be on the starting Wegovy dose, you should start to notice that you feel fuller for longer after meals and are eating less than usual. These effects on your appetite are signs that Wegovy is working as it should.
After the first 4 weeks of Wegovy treatment, the STEP-1 trial shows that the average weight loss is around 2%, although this can vary from person to person.
Weeks 5 - 8
After this stage, for the next 4 weeks your dose will be increased to 0.5mg per week. You may notice that your side effects return or increase when your dose is raised. This is normal and they should settle down as your body gets used to the increased Wegovy dose. You can manage the side effects at home as before, but if you are worried at any time, contact your doctor for advice.
After 8 weeks of Wegovy treatment, the average weight loss is around average weight loss is around 4%. You may have even noticed some of the positive physical changes to your appearance.
Weeks 9 - 12
From weeks 9 until 12, your doctor will likely increase your dose to 1mg per week. By now, you may have noticed changes in your appetite and that you are eating less and feel more satisfied after meals.
After week 12, the average weight loss on Wegovy is around weight loss on Wegovy is around 6%.
Week 13 and beyond
From week 13, you should now be on a weekly dose of 1.7mg. Depending on how your body responds to the increased Wegovy dose, you may choose to continue with this dose or increase to the maximum maintenance dose of 2.4mg per week from week 17.
If you choose to use the maximum Wegovy dose, you can expect to lose around 15% of your starting body weight after 68 weeks.
It’s important to continue following a calorie-controlled healthy diet and participating in regular exercise to help you reach your weight loss goals. These positive lifestyle changes are also critical for when you stop Wegovy treatment to help prevent weight gain.
What can affect your Wegovy weight loss results?
Wegovy works best alongside a healthy diet and exercise plan, but there are various factors that can affect your Wegovy weight loss results.
1. Diet
The interaction between diet and Wegovy can have a considerable impact on the success of your weight loss journey.
It is recommended that you follow a reduced calorie diet while taking Wegovy that limits processed and convenience foods, and prioritises nutritious whole foods.
You should try to incorporate:
Lean proteins
Lean proteins can help stabilise your blood sugar and keep you feeling fuller for longer. The body works harder to break down proteins aiding weight loss. Lean proteins include:
- lean cuts of meat such as skinless chicken breast, turkey, and beef
- eggs
- fish
- tofu
- yoghurt
- seafood
- white fleshed fish
- cheese
- lentils
- chickpeas
- edamame
Healthy fats
Swap unhealthy, saturated fats for healthier monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, like:
- nuts
- avocados
- dark chocolate
- chia seeds
- extra virgin olive oil
Complex carbohydrates
Complex carbohydrates are broken down slowly, preventing huge spikes in blood sugar. They also contain more fibre making them more filling. Examples of complex carbohydrates include:
- wholemeal pasta and bread
- brown rice
- quinoa
- sweet potatoes
- cold white potatoes
- butternut squash
- lentils
- chickpeas
Fibre
high fibre foods aid digestion, prevent constipation, and can help you feel fuller for longer. Nutritious fruits include:
- berries, like strawberries, raspberries, blueberries
- kiwis
- bananas
- peaches
- apples
- pears
- oranges
Vegetables packed with nutrition include :
- broccoli
- green leafy vegetables like kale, spinach, spring greens
- carrots
- cauliflower
- cucumber
- cabbage
Food and drinks to avoid
There are some foods you should limit or avoid while taking Wegovy. These include processed foods, saturated fats, fast burning carbs, and sugary drinks. You should consider avoiding foods like:
- chips
- bacon
- sausages
- pizza
- some cheeses
- butter
- chocolate
- ice cream
- white bread
- white pasta
- cakes
- pastries
- fruit juice
- fizzy drinks
Hydration
Staying hydrated is important, especially if you are taking Wegovy. You should aim to drink around 6 to 8 glasses of water or clear fluid per day. Staying on top of your fluid intake will also help prevent Wegovy side effects such as constipation and headaches.
2. Exercise
Another very important factor that will contribute to successful weight loss is a good exercise regime. You should aim to complete at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week.
Aerobic exercise and strength training exercises are good for burning calories, aiding weight loss and are beneficial for the cardiovascular system, and your overall health and metabolism.
Some exercises to consider include:
- speed walking
- jogging
- rowing
- cycling
- cross training
- weight training
- dancing
- tennis
- gardening
3. Age
As we age, our metabolism slows down, leading to weight gain and a build up of body fat.
A reduced metabolism can also affect how quickly the body breaks down food, impacting muscle mass, and can contribute to a more sedentary lifestyle, which may result in weight gain. It can also make it harder to lose weight, but it isn't impossible. Be patient and continue with your medication, diet and exercise programme.
4. Underlying health conditions
Underlying health conditions can slow weight loss, such as:
- thyroid disorders
- diabetes
- depression
That’s because these conditions can interfere with your metabolism, hormone levels, or can impact your ability to exercise regularly which may limit the effectiveness of Wegovy. Although these health conditions can make losing weight with Wegovy more challenging, it isn’t impossible. You may just need some extra support or your doctor may need to review your condition or any relevant medication you may take.
5. Not getting enough sleep
A lack of sleep can increase your appetite and tempt you to eat foods that are high in fat and sugar. If you are tired you are also less likely to want to exercise.
If you are having trouble sleeping, there are some things you can try to help improve your sleep, such as:
- going to bed at the same time each night
- using an alarm to wake you up at the same time each morning
- sticking to the same routine even at weekends
- winding down at least 1 hour before bed
- finding an activity that relaxes you before bed like meditation or reading
- avoiding phones, tablets, and computer screens 1 to 2 hours before bed
- making your sleep area as comfortable as you can ensuring it is dark, clean, cool, and quiet
6. You are stressed
Stress can impact on our ability to lose weight because it increases a hormone called cortisol, also known as the stress hormone. Cortisol increases your appetite and promotes fat storage. Examples and signs of this include:
- increased food cravings, particularly fatty sugary foods
- slowed down metabolism
- regular snacking
Try to minimise your stress levels by:
- staying as active as you can with exercise
- talking to people about how you feel
- taking some time to do things you enjoy
- avoiding habits such as smoking, caffeine, and alcohol which may be used as coping mechanisms but may make things worse
- identifying and avoiding stress triggers
7. Dose is not high enough
The Wegovy dosage schedule has been put together in a way that slowly and safely introduces the medication into your system, limiting the risk of side effects. You’ll start on a low dose which will gradually increase over time.
If you are not yet on the optimal maintenance Wegovy dose yet, you may not experience the full appetite-reducing effects of the medication.
On average, after 68 weeks of treatment on the highest 2.4mg maintenance dose, Wegovy can help you lose up to 15% of your starting body weight.
8. Not giving the medication enough time
The weight loss journey with Wegovy isn’t an overnight process. It takes place over a long period of time, and can be potentially quicker than just diet and exercise alone. If you haven’t reached your weight loss targets yet, it could be that you just need to give it more time. It is important to stick to your treatment plan and continue making healthier lifestyle choices to improve Wegovy effectiveness.
9. You are in a weight loss plateau
Weight loss plateaus are a common aspect of any weight loss journey. A plateau occurs when your body adapts to your weight loss and causes your metabolism to slow down which can impact on your progress, even if you are still eating a calorie-controlled diet and exercising regularly. Plateaus are normal and are not a sign that Wegovy isn’t working or that your weight loss efforts are failing. Instead, they are a sign that your body is adjusting to your new weight.
There are several factors that could be contributing to a weight loss plateau. As you lose weight, your body needs less calories to maintain your current weight, so you may need to adjust your diet plan to accommodate this.
You may also have experienced a loss of water weight which can make it look like you’ve lost a lot of weight rapidly, but losing water isn’t the same as fat loss and is usually temporary. However, it is important to continue with your weight loss plan. If you’re not sure why you have hit a plateau, or it’s been going on for a long time, speak to your doctor for advice.
Alternatives to Wegovy
Wegovy may not be suitable for everyone, but there are several alternative weight loss treatments available. At Superdrug Online Doctor, we offer both weight loss injections and weight loss pills for anyone who meets the criteria needed to obtain them.
Weight loss injections
Mounjaro
Mounjaro is another effective weight loss injection that works similarly to Wegovy but contains the active ingredient tirzepatide. It works by mimicking 2 hormones, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). These help to regulate your appetite and to keep you feeling fuller for longer so you don’t feel hungry, making it easier for you to lose weight.
Like Wegovy, Mounjaro is a once-weekly weight loss injection. You’ll be started on a low starting dose of 2.5mg per week for 4 weeks. Then, your dose will increase every 4 weeks until you reach the maximum maintenance dose of 15mg per week or a lower maintenance dose which is effective for you.
Research shows that people who use the highest maintenance dose of 15mg per week can lose up to 22.5% of their starting body weight after 72 weeks.
If you think Mounjaro is right for you and want to switch from Wegovy to Mounjaro, you’ll need to speak to your doctor first. You’ll need to wait at least 5 weeks after your last Wegovy dose before you can start on the lowest dose of Mounjaro.
Liraglutide
Liraglutide, the active ingredient in Saxenda, is a daily weight loss injection that binds to GLP-1 receptors to suppress your appetite and help you lose weight.
Research shows that liraglutide can, on average, help you lose around 8% of your initial body weight over 56 weeks at the highest maintenance dose.
If you think liraglutide may be right for you and want to switch from Wegovy to liraglutide, you’ll need to contact your doctor for guidance.
Weight loss pills
If you’re not sure about weight loss injections, we also offer a range of weight loss pills that may be more appropriate for you.
Orlistat
Orlistat is a generic version of Xenical. Orlistat weight loss pills work by reducing the amount of fat your body absorbs from your diet.
Orlistat or Xenical can be taken up to 3 times a day with a meal that contains fat. When combined with healthy lifestyle changes they can help you lose up to 5% of your body weight.
If you’re looking for an effective over-the-counter weight loss pill, then alli may be more suitable for you. It contains orlistat as its active ingredient and works in a similar way, but at a lower dose which is safe to take without a prescription.
MySimba
MySimba is a weight loss pill that helps to reduce your appetite, so you feel fuller for longer after eating, reducing your urge to eat and helping you lose weight. It contains the active ingredients naltrexone and bupropion.
On average, MySimba may help you to lose up to 8.1% of your body weight over 56 weeks.
If you’re considering changing from Wegovy to another weight loss medication, speak to your doctor for advice.
FAQs
How quickly does Wegovy start working?
Wegovy starts to work within a few days of taking it, but it can take several weeks for you to notice its full effects. Some research shows that some people can lose up to 2% of their body weight within the first 4 weeks of starting treatment on the lowest starting dose. You should start to notice a difference in your appetite, such as feeling less hungry, within the first 4 weeks of starting Wegovy treatment.
What is the average weekly weight loss on Wegovy?
Clinical studies show that with Wegovy, it is possible to lose an average of:
- 2% body weight after 4 weeks
- 4% after 8 weeks
- 6% after 12 weeks
- 15% after 68 weeks
The average weekly weight loss on Wegovy depends on several factors, including how well your body responds to the medication and the lifestyle changes you make to aid your weight loss journey.
Do you lose more weight on higher doses of Wegovy?
Yes, you are more likely to achieve the maximal weight loss at the highest maintenance dose of Wegovy which is 2.4mg per week. The average Wegovy weight loss of 15% over 68 weeks has only been shown in people who have moved up the dosing schedule and reached the highest maintenance dose.
Why am I gaining weight on Wegovy?
If you are gaining weight on Wegovy, it could be because you are not following an appropriate diet and exercise plan. Wegovy is most effective when used alongside a calorie controlled healthy diet and regular physical activity.
It’s also important to take your Wegovy doses on time and make sure you aren’t missing any. If you are doing all of these things, it could be that Wegovy isn’t right for you. Speak to your doctor about alternative weight loss treatments that may be more effective.
Is Wegovy safe to take long term?
Yes, Wegovy has been approved as a long-term treatment for obesity by The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). You can be prescribed Wegovy for as long as it remains effective and beneficial for you.
Will I gain weight back after stopping Wegovy?
Yes, it is possible to regain weight once you stop taking Wegovy. That’s because the active ingredient, semaglutide, will no longer be binding to the GLP-1 receptors in your body to control your appetite. So, you may notice that you feel more hungry and may feel the urge to eat more. However, continuing to follow your diet and exercise plan after you stop Wegovy treatment will help you maintain your current weight and control your hunger.
Sources
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- Metabolic changes in aging humans: current evidence and therapeutic strategies, JCI [accessed 10 December 2024]
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- Mysimba 8 mg/90 mg prolonged-release tablets, emc [accessed 09 December 2024]
- Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity, NEJM [accessed 09 December 2024]
- Physical activity guidelines for adults aged 19 to 64, NHS [accessed 10 December 2024]
- Saxenda 6 mg/mL solution for injection in pre-filled pen, emc [accessed 09 December 2024]
- Sleep NHS [accessed 09 December 2024]
- Water, drinks and hydration, NHS [accessed 10 December 2024]
- Wegovy 0.25 mg, FlexTouch solution for injection in pre-filled pen, emc [accessed 09 December 2024]
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