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Semaglutide, also known as Wegovy, and Tirzepatide, also known as Zepbound, help with weight loss by reducing hunger. Tirzepatide goes a step further and affects insulin production. However, if you're not losing weight, it might be because you're not in a calorie deficit, you've hit a weight-loss plateau, or your dose isn’t high enough. Other factors like medications or health conditions can also affect weight loss.
Not everyone responds the same way to semaglutide (Wegovy) or Tirzepatide (Zepboound). In multiple studies, participants stopped taking the medication because of side effects.
Studies also show that 80+% of participants lost at least 5% of their body weight, which is great. However, there were participants who lost less than 5%.
For weight loss treatments to be considered successful, people usually need to lose at least 5-10% of their body weight. This means semaglutide or tirzepatide may not work well enough for everyone.
Maximizing Results With Semaglutide and Tirzepatide
To get the best results with tirzepatide or semaglutide, you need to make positive changes to your diet and lifestyle. These medications are meant to be used along with lifestyle changes, not as a stand-alone.
Weight-Loss Plateau
A weight-loss plateau is normal and happens when your body adapts to your lower calorie intake by slowing your metabolism. Semaglutide and tirzepatide don’t prevent plateaus.
Key Takeaways:
- Plateaus are a normal part of weight loss
- A weight-loss plateau doesn’t mean our healthy lifestyle changes aren’t working
- The weight loss plateau is essential to allow our body time to adapt
- The brain slows metabolism to protect fat stores
- Consistency in healthy habits can overcome plateaus
- Stress management
Not in a Calorie Deficit
For weight loss, you must eat fewer calories than you burn. Semaglutide and tirzepatide help reduce hunger, but you can still overeat due to habits or other reasons. Switching to a diet of whole foods instead of processed foods is essential.
Key Takeaways:
- Eat fewer calories to lose weight
- Avoid ultra-processed foods
- Increase protein and fiber intake
- Focus on whole foods for sustainable weight loss
- Reduce alcohol consumption
- Drink more water
- Exercise consistently
Dose Isn’t High Enough
The initial effects of semaglutide and tirzepatide might wear off after a few days. It takes several weeks to reach a steady state where the medication's levels are consistent in your body. Increasing the dose can help if lower doses are no longer effective.
Key Takeaways:
- Initial effects can wear off in a few days.
- It takes 4-5 weeks to reach a steady state.
- Weight loss becomes more consistent with higher doses.
Takeaway Message
There are various reasons semaglutide and tirzepatide might not be working for you. Adjusting your dose or lifestyle might help, but some people may not respond well to the medication.
Additional Considerations
Change What You Eat and How You Eat
To lose weight, you need to consume fewer calories than you burn. Aim to reduce your daily intake by 400-500 calories, targeting less than 1,500 calories per day, or follow your provider's instructions.
Consider a Mediterranean-type diet, which is effective for weight loss and better blood sugar control. According to studies, following a Mediterranean diet for a year can result in nearly 9% weight loss.
(Alt text: An image of a Mediterranean diet of healthy foods on a table.)
Avoid salty, sugary, and fatty foods, as well as red meat and processed foods. Instead, eat more vegetables, fruits, nuts, and whole grains. Small changes, like choosing healthier snacks or cutting out one type of food or alcohol, can help.
Avoid late-night snacking and eating too late, as both can lead to weight gain and poor sleep. Eat smaller portions and slow down to enjoy your food.
Move More
Start with at least 2-3 hours of exercise per week, but aim for 3 hours to prevent weight gain and maintain weight loss. Begin with what you can manage, as even small amounts of exercise can help.
Try walking 2,000-5,000 steps per day. Follow a routine to make regular exercise a habit. Forming this habit early on will help you stick with it once you are done losing weight. Schedule it on your calendar if you have to.
Move more during the day to avoid a sedentary lifestyle. Many of us sit behind computers all day, which is not ideal. It is good to get up every hour and walk around for a few minutes.
Most importantly, find a workout you enjoy. Resistance training is excellent for building muscle and boosting metabolism, but all types of exercise, whether aerobic, resistance, or flexibility, offer benefits.
Switch Medications
If you are currently taking semaglutide and feel like you have exhausted all the options for optimal weight loss, you may consider switching to tirzepatide. We have had many patients try this and see the weight loss pick back up. Head-to-head weight loss studies between semaglutide and tirzepatide show that tirzepatide produces more weight loss.
Not a Magic Pill
Weight-loss injections like semaglutide and tirzepatide are tools to help with lifestyle changes, but they are not permanent solutions. They are meant to support you in building healthier habits for long-term weight loss. It can be frustrating when we don't see instant results, but you must stay dedicated, maintain healthy habits, and embrace the journey. The longer you are consistent with your diet, exercise, and dosage schedule, the greater the weight loss progress you will have.
Getting Started With TransformYou
At TransformYou, we understand that embarking on a weight loss journey can be challenging, especially when results aren't as expected. That’s why we are here to support you every step of the way. If semaglutide or tirzepatide hasn't worked for you yet, it's crucial not to lose hope. Adjusting your approach might be the key to unlocking the benefits you seek.
Our team of experts is ready to provide personalized consultations to reassess your health goals, medication dosages, and lifestyle adjustments. With the proper guidance, everyone can achieve their weight loss goals.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment and start refining your weight loss strategy. Whether it's tweaking your medication, overhauling your diet, or intensifying your exercise regimen, we're here to ensure you have all the tools and support necessary for success. Remember, it's not just about losing weight—it's about gaining a healthier, more vibrant life.
Let's make your health transformation a reality with TransformYou.