GLP-1 medications like semaglutide have become powerful options for weight management. They work by mimicking a natural hormone in the body that regulates appetite, slows digestion, and promotes feelings of fullness. For many people, that results in significant and steady weight loss. However, if you’re wondering why you’re not losing weight on semaglutide, you’re not alone.
Not seeing the progress you expected can be frustrating and confusing. You’re doing everything right, so why isn’t the scale moving?
The truth is, weight loss isn’t always linear. And even with the support of a GLP-1, there are several reasons progress might slow down or temporarily stall. The good news? Many of them are fixable.
Here’s what to know, what to check, and how to get your results moving again.
First: You’re Not Alone
Plateaus and slowdowns are a normal part of almost every weight loss journey (yes, even when using GLP-1 medications). Some women report that they lose quickly in the first few weeks, then suddenly hit a wall. Of course, this isn’t the case for everyone.
Either way, the solution often starts with identifying what’s going on behind the scenes.
7 Common Reasons for a Weight Loss Plateau on Semaglutide
1. You’re Undereating
Semaglutide reduces appetite, sometimes dramatically. While that’s part of how they work, eating too little can backfire. If your calorie intake is too low for your body’s basic needs, your metabolism may slow, your energy can drop, and your body may hold on to weight instead of releasing it.
What to try:
- Track your food intake for a few days to see where you stand.
- Make sure you’re not consistently consuming fewer than 1,000–1,200 calories unless directed to do so by your provider.
- Add small meals with nutrient-dense, higher-calorie foods, such as full-fat yogurt, nut butter, or eggs, if your appetite is low.
2. You’re Not Eating Enough Protein
Protein isn’t just for athletes; it’s essential for preserving lean muscle mass and supporting fat loss. Without enough, your body may break down both muscle and fat, slowing your metabolism in the process.
What to try:
How much protein you should eat while on semaglutide varies, but generally:
- Aim for 0.7–1 gram of protein per pound of goal body weight. (If you weigh 180 pounds but want to weigh 150, that’s 105–150 grams of protein daily)
- Include a protein source at every meal, such as chicken, tofu, eggs, Greek yogurt, or a quality protein shake if solid food is difficult to eat.
- If you’re lifting weights or walking daily, your protein goal may be slightly higher. Talk to your provider about adjusting your intake based on your activity level.
3. You’re Not Moving Enough
Can you lose weight on semaglutide without exercise? Sure. But while GLP-1s reduce calorie intake, they don’t replace the metabolic benefits of movement. Staying active helps preserve muscle, supports digestion, and can make your results feel more noticeable.
What to try:
- Incorporate light movement daily—aim for at least 7,000 steps or a 10–30 minute walk.
- Aerobic or high-intensity interval training 2–3 times a week (even at home!) can support fat loss and muscle retention.
- Try stretching, yoga, or Pilates on lower-energy days. Anything is better than staying still.
4. You’re Losing Inches, Not Pounds
Weight isn’t the only way to measure progress, and it’s often not the most accurate. Hormonal fluctuations, water retention, and body recomposition can all affect the number on the scale.
What to try:
- Take progress photos and body measurements every 2–4 weeks.
- Track non-scale victories: clothes fitting better, reduced bloating, improved energy, fewer cravings.
- Remember: fat loss and weight loss are not always the same thing.
5. Sleep and Stress Are Disrupting Progress
When you’re not sleeping well, your body produces less leptin (the hormone that signals fullness) and more ghrelin (the hormone that triggers hunger). This hormone imbalance can lead to increased appetite and cravings for high-calorie foods.
In some studies, women actually had higher leptin after not sleeping, but that doesn’t mean it worked properly. When leptin levels are high but ineffective, it’s often a sign of leptin resistance, meaning your body ignores the hormone’s “I’m full” signal. That could still lead to overeating and weight gain.
What to try:
- Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep each night and maintain a consistent bedtime.
- Try short daily de-stress routines, such as walks, deep breathing, or journaling.
- Limit caffeine and screen time in the evening to help with rest quality.
6. Your Expectations May Need a Reset
Healthy, sustainable weight loss typically averages 1 to 2 pounds per week. However, week-to-week fluctuations (or even no change at all) are completely normal.
For women, this is especially true. Your menstrual cycle impacts fluid retention, appetite, and even body composition throughout the month. It’s not unusual to gain weight temporarily leading up to your period, even if everything else stays consistent.
Remember, if you’ve only been on your medication for a few weeks, your body may still be adjusting.
What to try:
- Don’t panic over daily or weekly changes. Zoom out and look at your trends over 4–6 weeks.
- Track more than just weight: consider energy levels, progress photos, how your clothes fit, and hunger cues.
- Track your menstrual cycle using an app or journal to better understand how your body changes week to week.
7. There’s an Underlying Medical Factor
Some health conditions or medications can make weight loss more difficult, even with a GLP-1. Thyroid disorders, insulin resistance, perimenopause/menopause, or certain antidepressants can all influence progress.
What to try:
- If you’ve plateaued for more than 4–6 weeks despite consistency, talk to your provider.
- A dose adjustment or lab work may be needed.
- Never self-adjust your medication. Always work with your care team.
When to Check In With Your PeachesRx Provider
If you’re using Slim (our compounded semaglutide + vitamin B6 oral dissolving tablet) and feel stuck, reach out. Your provider can review your caloric intake, physical activity, and progress to determine if a dose adjustment or a clinical check-in is needed.
They may also help you troubleshoot other areas of your routine to keep you moving in the right direction, without guesswork.
Ready to Feel in Control of Your Weight Loss Again?
GLP-1 medications can be an incredibly helpful tool for weight management, but they work best when paired with realistic expectations, daily movement, and a plan that respects your body.
At PeachesRx, we’re here to help you feel supported and informed every step of the way. Slim combines semaglutide and vitamin B6 into a convenient oral dissolving tablet that can be taken daily. It’s designed to make weight loss feel more manageable, without the need for injections or restrictive diets.
Learn more and see if you qualify at peachesrx.app.
If you’re not losing weight on semaglutide, you’re not stuck—you just haven’t found the right fit yet. Let’s change that.
