Not everyone loses the same amount of weight while taking GLP-1 medication such as Mounjaro® or Wegovy®. Some people lose substantial amounts, others lose weight more gradually, and a minority experience relatively little weight loss.
That doesn't automatically mean you've done something wrong.
Researchers are increasingly trying to understand why people's responses to GLP-1 treatments can be so different. If you're concerned about how your medication is working, speak to your prescriber. GLP Approach doesn't prescribe medication or advise you to start, stop or change treatment.
Does everyone lose weight on Mounjaro or Wegovy?
No. Clinical trials report average weight loss across large groups of people, but individual results can vary considerably.
Recent reporting in Nature highlighted research suggesting that around 10–15% of people may experience minimal or no weight loss with newer GLP-1-based obesity treatments, depending on the treatment and how response is defined.
At the other end, some people lose considerably more than the average.
That's why someone else's results aren't a prediction of yours.
Why do some people lose more weight on GLP-1s than others?
There isn't one simple explanation.
Researchers are investigating differences in biology and genetics, appetite and fullness signals, metabolic health and how individuals respond to different treatments.
Lifestyle and individual circumstances vary too, including activity, nutrition, sleep, other health conditions and medications.
Research is continuing into why these differences occur and whether we may eventually be able to predict which treatments are most effective for different people.
Does slower weight loss mean your GLP-1 isn't working?
Not necessarily.
Weight loss doesn't usually happen in a perfectly straight line, and short-term body weight can fluctuate.
It's also easy to compare yourself with dramatic transformations online:
“Three stone down in four months.”
But you don't know that person's starting weight, medical history, treatment or circumstances.
Clinical-trial averages and social-media transformations aren't targets that your body is required to match.
If you're concerned about the amount or rate of weight you're losing, speak to your prescriber.
What can you focus on if your weight loss feels slow?
Focus on the parts of your lifestyle you can control.
That might include:
● Eating balanced, nutritious meals
● Including protein-rich foods
● Building regular movement into your week
● Strength training at a level appropriate for you
● Getting enough sleep
● Building habits you can realistically maintain
These aren't ways to “fix” medication that isn't working. They're simply useful foundations for health and weight management during your GLP-1 journey.
Should you change your Mounjaro or Wegovy dose if you're not losing weight?
That's a question for your prescriber.
GLP Approach doesn't recommend medication doses or advise people to increase, reduce, start, stop or switch medication.
Don't change prescribed GLP-1 medication based on somebody else's results or advice you've seen online.
What does GLP Approach help with?
GLP Approach focuses on the lifestyle around your GLP-1 journey, not the medication itself.
We support members with personalised strength training, nutrition, calorie and protein targets, progress tracking and direct access to a coach.
The aim is to help you build a healthier routine around your treatment, whatever pace your own progress takes.
Frequently asked questions
Why am I not losing weight on Mounjaro?
People respond differently to GLP-1 treatments, and research is continuing into why some people lose considerably more weight than others. If you're concerned about your individual response, speak to your prescriber.
Why am I not losing weight on Wegovy?
Weight-loss results with Wegovy vary between individuals. Clinical-trial figures are averages rather than a prediction of what every person will experience.
Does Mounjaro or Wegovy work for everyone?
No treatment produces identical results for everyone. Most people in clinical studies experience meaningful weight loss, but individual responses vary and some people lose considerably less than average.
Is slow weight loss on a GLP-1 normal?
The amount and rate of weight loss can vary considerably. Slower progress than somebody else's doesn't by itself tell you whether your treatment is working appropriately.
Should I increase my GLP-1 dose if I'm not losing weight?
Speak to your prescriber. GLP Approach doesn't provide medication or dosing advice, and you shouldn't change prescribed medication based on another person's results or online advice.
Can GLP Approach tell me why my GLP-1 isn't working?
No. GLP Approach isn't a medication or diagnostic service. We support the lifestyle surrounding your GLP-1 journey through personalised training, nutrition guidance, progress tracking and coaching.