Not Losing Weight on GLP-1 Medications? Here's What Might Be Going On..
- Michael From The GLP-1 Source
- Jun 30
- 5 min read
If you’ve been taking Mounjaro, Ozempic, Wegovy or Zepbound, and the weight just isn’t coming off, you’re probably wondering, “Is this even working?” You’re not alone. I talk to people every week who are in this exact situation, frustrated, confused, and a little defeated. These medications are supposed to help, right? So why aren’t they?
Let’s break this down together because there are explanations, and more importantly, there are ways forward. Whether you’re new to GLP-1s or you’ve been on them for a while, understanding why they might not be working for you just yet is the first step toward changing that.
What Makes Someone a “Responder”?
In clinical terms, “successful weight loss” on GLP-1s is defined as losing more than 5% of your starting body weight. So, for example, if you began at 240 pounds, a drop to 228 means you’re officially a “responder.” It might not seem like a lot, but that 5% is the cut-off most studies use to show that the medication is having a meaningful impact.
But here’s the thing..about 10 to 15% of people on these medications don’t hit that number.
They’re what we call nonresponders. And in real-life practice, I see this play out all the time. It doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you, and it certainly doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It just means we need to understand your body a little better.
The Three Types of Nonresponders
After working with a lot of clients, I’ve noticed three common categories of people who struggle to lose weight on GLP-1s.
First, there are the true nonresponders. These are people who don’t get the typical appetite reduction or decrease in cravings that the medication usually provides. It can feel like you’re taking a placebo. You might still see some improvement in things like blood sugar or cholesterol, but the hunger signals stay loud and clear. The reason? It could be your genetics, your biology, or even how your body processes these medications. Some people respond better when switching from Mounjaro to Ozempic, or Wegovy to Zepbound, or to an entirely different medication like Contrave, but for others, it’s a waiting game until newer options become available.
Next, we have the slow responders. These folks do experience some hunger control, but the weight loss is slower, think one or two pounds a month instead of four to eight. There could be a range of reasons for this: underlying medical issues, mental health challenges, or even the meds they’re on for other conditions. A long history of yo-yo dieting can also play a role, as it can affect your metabolism and make your body more resistant to change.
Sometimes, slow responders are simply navigating a hectic life that makes it hard to stay consistent, or they need to increase their dose more gradually due to side effects. It doesn’t mean it’s not working, it just means the timeline looks a little different.
And then there are the quick fix seekers. This group often has unrealistic expectations about how fast weight should come off. Maybe it’s because someone on Instagram dropped 30 pounds in a month, or maybe it’s the idea that taking a medication means you can skip the lifestyle changes altogether. But that’s not how it works. Weight loss, especially sustainable weight loss, is slow. It’s not a sprint. It’s a steady, ongoing process—and comparing yourself to others is a fast way to feel discouraged.
The Problem with Expectations
One of the biggest mindset blocks I see is people thinking that effort should equal weight loss. That if they’re putting in the work, the scale should reflect it every single time. But unfortunately, biology doesn’t always work that way. Some weeks you’ll drop a pound. Other weeks, nothing. Some weeks the scale might even creep up a bit due to water retention or hormones.
And then what happens? You step on the scale Friday morning, it’s not the number you hoped for, and suddenly you’re knee-deep in a weekend binge cycle, vowing to “start over Monday.” We’ve all been there. But this is exactly why we need to shift our focus away from the scale and toward the process. Are you eating better? Moving more? Feeling stronger? Sleeping better? These wins matter so much more than the number.
These Meds Aren’t Magic, And That’s Okay.
Let’s be real—these medications can do amazing things. They help quiet the food noise. They can make it easier to stay in a calorie deficit. But they’re not magic. You still need to look at what you’re eating, how often you’re moving, and what your environment looks like. Are your meals mostly made up of protein and fiber-rich foods? Are you reducing processed snacks? Are you making time for movement, even if it’s just a walk?
The people in clinical trials weren’t just taking a shot and watching the pounds fall off, they were also following nutrition and exercise guidelines. That’s why the most successful people on these meds combine the medication withlifestyle shifts. It's not either/or.
Consistency Will Always Beat Perfection
Here’s the truth: you might never get back exactly what you put in. The effort will feel heavy at times. But the more consistent you are, especially when it’s inconvenient, the more likely you are to see real, lasting change. Your biology was built to survive, not to drop weight in a world of convenience foods and screens. That’s the uphill battle. But it’s a battle you can win, especially when you start giving yourself credit for the small wins that add up over time.
GLP-1 medications can be life-changing, but they’re not for everyone. Some people respond quickly. Others don’t. And for many, the path is somewhere in between. That’s okay. What matters is that you keep going, adjust where needed, and understand that your journey will look different from someone else’s, and that doesn’t make it wrong.
If you’re feeling stuck, wondering if there’s a better way to access medication and get support tailored to your needs, there’s a platform I often recommend. It’s a simple, accessible way to speak with a licensed provider and, if appropriate, begin your journey with a GLP-1 medication that fits your goals and your lifestyle. You can find more information right here.
You’ve got this. And if it takes a little longer than you thought, that doesn’t mean you’re failing. It just means you’re human, and you’re still in the game.
Comments