Wegovy plateau: why weight loss slows and what to do next

The Sword Summary Warm-up

Don’t have time for the full workout? We’ve got you covered with a quick, high-intensity session. Here are the key takeaways:

• A weight loss plateau on Wegovy is a common and expected phase of treatment.
• As the body adapts to lower intake, metabolism and daily movement naturally change.
• Some early weight loss can include muscle, which affects how efficiently the body burns energy.
• Move, Sword Health’s whole-body movement solution, is the ideal program for Wegovy users trying to overcome that plateau

When Wegovy weight loss slows, it can feel confusing

Wegovy (semaglutide) helps reduce appetite and make eating feel more manageable. For many people, weight loss is steady at first. Progress feels predictable. The scale moves gradually, week by week.

Then, at some point, that pace changes.

Weight loss slows or stalls, even though habits have not changed. This can be confusing, especially for people who feel they are doing everything “right.”

A Wegovy plateau is not a sign the medication has failed. It is a sign the body is adapting, so you shouldn't be alarmed.

Plateaus can be a normal part of Wegovy treatment

Weight loss on Wegovy happens because appetite decreases and calorie intake drops. Over time, the body responds to this new baseline in several predictable ways.

Three physiological changes shape Wegovy plateaus

1. Metabolism adjusts as body weight decreasesAs weight comes down, the body requires fewer calories to function. This natural metabolic adjustment slows the rate of further loss, even when eating patterns stay consistent.
2. Daily movement often decreases subtly over timeWith lower calorie intake, energy levels may shift. People may take fewer steps, sit more, or move less throughout the day without realizing it. These small changes reduce overall energy expenditure.
3. Some weight loss includes lean muscle, not just fatResearch shows that 20 to 40 percent of weight lost on semaglutide can come from lean mass, including muscle¹. Because muscle plays a role in how efficiently the body uses energy, losing it contributes to plateaus.

Together, these changes explain why weight loss often slows even when Wegovy continues to work as intended.

Further restrictions rarely solves a Wegovy plateau

When the scale stops moving, many people assume they need to eat less or exercise more intensely.

In reality, further calorie restriction can increase muscle loss and slow metabolism even more. Overemphasizing cardio without strength support can have a similar effect.

A plateau is not a signal to reduce intake further. It is a signal to support the body differently. This is why learning how to prevent muscle loss during weight loss is increasingly important for people using GLP-1 medications.

How do you maintain weight loss progress with Wegovy?

When weight loss slows, the goal is not to return to the early pace. It is to support the body so progress can continue in a healthier, more sustainable way.

Strength-focused movement plays a key role by:

• Preserving lean muscle that supports metabolism
• Improving how the body uses energy at lower intake levels
• Shifting success away from scale-only outcomes

This does not require intense workouts or long gym sessions. Short, consistent resistance-based movement is enough to signal the body to hold onto muscle while continuing to lose fat.

For a broader view of how this works, see our guide on maintaining muscle during weight loss.

A structured movement program is ideal to give you the expert guidance you need. Sword Move's AI Care solution delivers lasting movement habits through clinical guidance and wearable technology, the ideal option for GLP-1 users looking to retain and build strength.

Wegovy plateaus are part of successful long-term results

Plateaus can feel frustrating, but they are also an important moment.

Studies following people after stopping semaglutide show that much of the weight regained tends to be fat rather than muscle². Supporting muscle while weight loss is happening helps make results more durable over time.

This is why progress should be measured not just by the scale, but by strength, energy, and comfort with daily movement.

How Sword Move supports steady progress on Wegovy

Knowing that movement matters is one thing. Knowing how to apply it consistently is another.

Sword Health’s Sword Move program is designed to support muscle-preserving movement in a way that fits into everyday life.

With Sword Move:

• Members are paired with a Physical Health Specialist holding a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree
• Plans focus on strength, mobility, and confidence rather than intensity
• Sessions are short and completed at home
• Progress is tracked automatically using a Move wearable or connected device
• Plans adapt over time with regular check-ins

This structure helps people continue progressing even when the scale slows. People using Sword Move show consistent improvements³:

• 69 percent of inactive members became active or healthy active within 10 weeks
• Members completed an average of 4.5 guided sessions per week
• Sedentary time dropped by more than one hour per day
• 91 percent reported feeling moderately or much better

For Wegovy users, this means progress that shows up in strength, energy, and long-term confidence, not just in weight lost.

Movement supports long-term success on GLP-1s

Low energy during GLP-1 treatment is common, especially early on. Avoiding movement entirely can make fatigue persist and increase muscle loss.

Gentle, strength-focused movement helps the body adapt to weight loss, protect muscle, and support steadier energy over time. These habits make it easier to maintain results long after weight changes begin.

If you are using a GLP-1 medication and want a safe, realistic way to stay active when energy feels low, Sword Move may already be available through your health plan at no cost to you. Many US employers and health plans offer Move to their members. Check your eligibility now to see if you can get started today.