How Much Weight Do People Actually Lose on Wegovy?

For people who are trying to lose weight or are thinking about it, Wegovy can be an effective option. But just how much weight can you actually lose on it?

While everybody is different, Wegovy results from clinical trials give us a rough idea of how much people might expect to lose. Here, we’ll take a closer look to find out more about average weight loss on the medication. 

What is Wegovy and how does it work?

Wegovy is a GLP-1 medication, also sometimes called a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It contains the active ingredient semaglutide and imitates the hormone GLP-1, which is produced by the gut. 

Wegovy works by sending messages to the brain that help reduce appetite, slow digestion, keep people fuller for longer and reduce food noise. So, people who use Wegovy often find it easier to keep to calorie deficits as they aren’t eating as much. 

Wegovy differs from Mounjaro, which is also a GLP-1 medication – Mounjaro contains the active ingredient tirzepatide instead. While they’re similar, there is evidence that Mounjaro may be more effective than Wegovy at higher doses. 

What the data says about average weight loss on Wegovy

Everyone’s body is different, and it’s impossible to know for sure how much weight one person or another will lose on Wegovy. However, there is some research out there to give us an idea about typical Wegovy results.

In one study, adults with obesity or who were overweight and lived with at least one weight-related health condition used Wegovy for 68 weeks. Using Wegovy alongside making diet and lifestyle changes meant their average weight loss was 35 pounds; almost 16 kilograms. 

Over eight out of 10 (83%) adults using Wegovy lost 5% or more of their starting weight compared with 31% of adults taking the placebo, while 66% lost 10% or more of their starting weight, compared with 12% taking the placebo. 48% lost 15% or more, compared to just 5% taking the placebo, while 30% lost at least 20%, compared to 2% of those taking the placebo. 

Both the Wegovy group and the placebo group received the same advice regarding a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. 

How quickly do people see Wegovy weight loss?

When starting Wegovy, users begin on the lowest dose. Most people will gradually increase their dose until they’re taking the highest, but some people prefer to stay at a lower dose if they’re happy with their rate of weight loss, or if they’re experiencing side effects that could become more intense at a higher dose. Generally, higher doses are associated with greater weight loss.

Wegovy weight loss, when increasing the dose gradually as advised, is expected to increase accordingly. In the first four weeks, people lose an average of 2% of their starting weight, increasing to 4% by eight weeks, 6% by 12 weeks, 8% by 16 weeks, and up to 17% after week 17. 

Again, everybody is different, and people can see Wegovy results at different rates depending on other factors, such as lifestyle. You’re on your own personal weight-loss timeline.

How to maximise weight loss on Wegovy

While Wegovy can be a very useful tool to aid weight loss, it doesn’t work on its own. Adopting lifestyle changes alongside using GLP-1 medications will help you make the most of your treatment. You could try taking the following steps:

• Aim for a healthy diet. Eating a balanced diet and keeping portion sizes sensible will ensure you’re getting the nutrients you need and keeping to a calorie deficit. Meal planning, creating a food diary, and using a calorie-tracking app can all help.
• Hit the recommended protein intake. Eating protein helps us feel full, and can help prevent loss of muscle when you’re losing weight on GLP-1s. It’s recommended that adults of a healthy weight eat 0.75 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day – this can differ for overweight and obese people, so you may need to work with a clinician to find out your ideal protein intake. 
• Exercise regularly. Exercise burns calories, and if you burn more calories than you consume, you’ll lose weight. It can also help improve your mood, which could help you if you’re prone to comfort eating when you’re feeling stressed or sad. The NHS advises that adults under 65 should do some sort of physical activity each day, which could be anything from lifting weights in the gym to walking the dog. 
• Ensure you get enough sleep. Getting a good amount of sleep (at least seven hours is recommended) helps you lose weight by regulating hunger hormones, boosting metabolism, and helping you avoid midnight cravings. 
• Look after your mental health. Chronic stress promotes weight gain by keeping levels of cortisol, sometimes called the ‘stress hormone’, high.

It’s important to remember that Wegovy can help people see real weight loss results, but they won’t be identical for everyone, and it can often depend on your own lifestyle, too. Don’t forget that change doesn’t happen overnight, either, and you’re more likely to see steady improvements in your Wegovy results, rather than quickfire transformations. 

If you’d like to learn more about weight loss on Wegovy and how it works, you can find advice and support with providers like The Virtual Slimming Clinic to help you along your weight-loss journey.

Frequently asked questions

How much weight do people lose on Wegovy on average?

According to clinical trials, people lose an average of 35 pounds after using Wegovy for 68 weeks. Almost half (48%) of people lost at least 15% of their starting body weight. 

How long does it take to see weight loss on Wegovy?

Wegovy weight loss tends to be more gradual, but people often notice small changes after using the medication for a few weeks. However, Wegovy is best used as part of long-term lifestyle changes, rather than as a short-term fix. 

Does everyone lose the same amount of weight on Wegovy? 

Weight loss varies from person to person, and can vary due to factors including metabolism, lifestyle changes, other health conditions and dosage.