Still hungry on Ozempic? Why you might not be losing weight

In this article:

• How Ozempic works
• Ozempic hunger
• Why you’re not losing weight
• What to do if you’re not seeing results

In this article

• How Ozempic works
• Ozempic hunger
• Why you’re not losing weight
• What to do if you’re not seeing results

You might have just started Ozempic (semaglutide), expecting your hunger levels to drop immediately. Yet, you may find yourself just as hungry as you were before. This may be confusing and discouraging, especially after hearing about how other people have experienced a reduced appetite while taking Ozempic. But you may want to remember that Ozempic isn’t approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for appetite suppression. Instead, it is FDA approved for managing Type 2 diabetes. For weight loss, semaglutide is approved under a different brand name, Wegovy. 

Although weight loss may occur on Ozempic, its appetite-suppressing effects can take time, and the results may vary from person to person. Many factors, such as diet and lifestyle, might contribute to why you still feel hungry while on Ozempic.  

How Ozempic works

Ozempic is a medication used to manage blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. It contains semaglutide, which works by mimicking the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) hormone. This hormone helps the body release insulin when blood sugar levels are high and delays the emptying of the stomach to promote fullness. In addition to Type 2 diabetes, Ozempic is FDA approved to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes in people with diabetes and heart disease.

This drug is usually given as a subcutaneous injection or injection under the skin. Healthcare providers prescribe semaglutide injections to be taken once per week. It is generally started at a low dose and gradually increased over time, every four weeks until a target dosage is reached. The typical dosage is 0.5 to 1 milligrams (mg) every week, although some people may need a higher dosage of 2 mg per week to manage blood sugar. Ozempic should only be taken as prescribed by a healthcare provider. 

Clinical trials suggest people eat fewer calories while on semaglutide, with many showing a reduced desire for high-fat meals. 

Why you might be hungry on Ozempic

Feeling hungry while taking Ozempic can happen for several reasons. Many people may notice a decrease in appetite as the medication delays gastric emptying and increases a feeling of fullness. However, different people may react differently to Ozempic. Some might find their appetite decreases, while others might still feel hungry.

When you first start taking Ozempic, you might feel hungrier due to insulin resistance with diabetes. This means that your body has trouble using insulin properly, which can lead to higher blood sugar levels. Initially, it may take some time for Ozempic to help lower blood sugar levels. You might still feel hungry during this time because your body isn’t fully responding to the medication yet.

Cravings and “food noise” might affect how Ozempic works for you, making it hard to control blood sugar levels. Finding the right balance in daily activities and food choices is key. For this reason, Ozemic is meant to be used alongside an appropriate diet and exercise plan. Everyone’s experience will differ, so it’s important to work closely with healthcare providers.

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Reasons for a lack of weight loss on Ozempic

Sometimes, people using Ozempic for weight loss find they don’t see the results they expected. Different factors like incorrect dosage, dietary habits, or even stress could affect how well the drug works. 

Wrong dosage

Finding the right dosage is one of the key aspects of treatment with Ozempic. Some people may need higher doses to achieve the results they want. For example, one person might find that a dosage of 0.5 mg works well for them, while another person may need a higher dose, up to 2 mg per week. Taking Ozempic consistently is also important, as skipping doses can affect your weight-loss efforts.

Because the dosage is typically increased in four-week intervals, it may take several weeks to start seeing the benefits of Ozempic on weight loss. In any case, it’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s directions when making dosage adjustments. Regular check-ins with your healthcare provider can help monitor how the medication is working for you. 

Lack of dietary changes

People often underestimate the impact of lifestyle changes and assume the medication will work on its own. Relying solely on Ozempic without changing your eating habits can make it difficult to lose weight. Therefore, it’s important to eat balanced meals with fewer calories and reduced carbohydrates to reach your weight-loss goals. 

To promote the weight-loss effects of Ozempic, you can aim to make small, consistent changes in your diet. A dietitian or nutritionist can offer advice and support for making the appropriate dietary changes while on the medication.

Not exercising enough

Exercise plays a key role in any weight loss plan, especially when using Ozempic. While this medication can help control hunger, regular physical activity may boost the medication’s weight-loss effects. Regular exercise not only speeds up your metabolism but also helps your body burn more calories.

A mix of cardio (like running, swimming, or biking) and strength training (like lifting weights or doing push-ups) is a great way to stay fit. Aim for at least 150 minutes of exercise each week. This doesn’t have to be complicated: Even low-impact activities like walking or cycling may help you reach your blood sugar and weight-loss goals.

Body adjusting to weight loss

Often, the body needs time to adapt to new weight loss treatments and medications. This period can sometimes slow down the progress you see on the scale, leading to a weight loss plateau. It can be frustrating when you’re not seeing results right away, but this is a normal part of the process. 

During this adjustment phase, staying patient and consistent is key. Keep up with healthy habits like eating well and exercising, and make sure to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions. Over time, your body can settle into the new routine, and you may start to notice positive changes. Lasting results take time, so don’t get discouraged!

RELATED: How long does it take Ozempic to work?

Health problems

Underlying medical conditions can interfere with your weight-loss plan on Ozempic. Conditions like PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) and thyroid problems can make it harder to lose weight. These issues can affect how your body burns calories and manages hormones, which may increase the risk of obesity.

RELATED: Ozempic for PCOS

Therefore, treating underlying health conditions may help improve your chances of losing weight. Talk to your healthcare provider about potential health concerns. That way, you’re not focusing only on the medication but on your overall health. 

Other medications affecting weight

Some medications can make it harder to lose weight because they increase your appetite and promote weight gain. For example, certain antidepressants, antipsychotics, and corticosteroids may cause weight gain as a side effect.

It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about all the medications you’re taking so you can understand how they might affect your body weight. If you find that a medication is affecting your weight while taking Ozempic, they may suggest adjusting the dosage or switching to an alternative. 

RELATED: Ozempic alternatives

Stress or hormonal changes

Stress and hormonal shifts can also affect weight. High levels of the stress hormone cortisol can cause the body to store more fat, leading to increased weight. Stress can also lead to poor eating habits, as you may be more likely to turn to food for comfort during stressful times.

In addition, low estrogen or testosterone levels may slow metabolism and lead to weight gain. Low thyroid hormone levels can also slow metabolism, resulting in fewer calories burned. This can lead to weight gain, even if you’re not eating more than usual. Tackling stress and hormonal imbalances with professional help may help support weight management on Ozempic.

Water retention

Water retention can sometimes make it look like you’re not losing weight, even though you might be losing fat. This happens because your body holds onto extra water, which can be influenced by things like eating too much salt, feeling stressed, or taking certain medications. 

To help manage water retention, you can try cutting back on salt and drinking more water. It might seem strange, but drinking more water can actually help your body let go of the extra water it’s holding. Regular exercise is also important, as it helps your body flush out this excess water.

The reasons for not losing weight while using Ozempic can differ from one person to another. Often, it’s not just one thing holding you back; it can be a mix of problems.

What to do if you’re not seeing results on Ozempic

If you’re not losing weight as you expected while on Ozempic, there are many reasons this might be happening. First, remember that Ozempic is mainly used to help manage Type 2 diabetes, not specifically for weight loss. If you’re looking to lose weight, Wegovy might be a better choice since it has a higher dose of the same medication and is specifically FDA approved for weight management. 

Making small, steady changes in your weight loss journey may lead to better results over time. Stay focused and committed to your plan for long-term success. It’s also helpful to keep your expectations in check. If you want quick results or find yourself comparing your progress to others, you may experience disappointment. Weight loss often takes time. Consult a healthcare provider to figure out what goals make sense for you.

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