For millions of people who have turned to weight-loss medications like Wegovy and Ozempic in recent years, these drugs have promised significant weight loss—often up to 50 pounds or more. However, for some users, the reality doesn’t live up to the hype. Despite access to the drugs and a commitment to healthy lifestyle changes, certain individuals find themselves unable to shed pounds, leading to frustration and disappointment.
Danielle Griffin, a 38-year-old IT worker from New Mexico, is one of those patients. Despite a year and a half of using Wegovy, Griffin has lost just 13 pounds, even though she follows a strict diet, exercises regularly, and stays hydrated. “I’ve done everything right with no success. It’s discouraging,” she says. Griffin’s experience is not unique—clinical trials for Wegovy and Mounjaro, two popular drugs in the class known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, revealed that 10% to 15% of participants were considered “non-responders,” losing less than 5% of their body weight. Now, experts warn that as many as 20% of patients, or 1 in 5, may not see the same success.
Understanding the Complexity of Obesity
The reason why some people don’t lose weight with these medications lies in the complex nature of obesity. Obesity is influenced by a mix of factors, including genetics, hormones, and how the brain regulates energy balance. Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, an obesity specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital, explains that “this is a disease that stems from the brain,” and the underlying dysfunctions may vary from person to person. In addition to these biological factors, medical conditions like sleep apnea, as well as medications such as antidepressants, steroids, and contraceptives, can also hinder weight loss.
The drugs work by mimicking the hormone glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), which plays a role in regulating appetite. By suppressing hunger signals, they help users eat less and, in many cases, lose weight. But the response to these drugs can be highly individualized, as different people may experience varied effects based on their unique physiology.
The Emotional Toll of Disappointment
For many patients, the disappointment of not seeing the expected results can be emotionally overwhelming. Dr. Katherine Saunders, an obesity expert at Weill Cornell Medicine, says the high expectations surrounding these medications often leave little room for those who do not respond well. “It can be devastating,” she says. “There’s so much room for disappointment when expectations are so high.”
Griffin, who has struggled with obesity since childhood, was hoping to lose 70 pounds with Wegovy. While the drug helped reduce her appetite and improved her risk of developing diabetes, the weight loss she experienced was minimal. “It’s an emotional roller coaster,” she says. “You want it to work like it does for everybody else.”
The Importance of Comprehensive Treatment
Despite the challenges, experts emphasize that there are other options for people who don’t experience the desired results with GLP-1 drugs. Dr. Jody Dushay, an endocrinologist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, says that it is typically clear within weeks whether a patient will respond to the drug. If weight loss doesn’t occur or side effects like nausea and vomiting interfere with treatment, patients can consider alternatives. “It’s not game over,” Dushay says. “There are always backup plans.”
For Griffin, a switch to Zepbound, a newer drug that targets additional hormonal pathways, has shown some promise. After three months, she has lost 7 pounds. “I’m hoping it’s slow and steady,” she says. Other patients may find success with older weight-loss medications, or by making comprehensive changes to their diet, exercise, and lifestyle habits.
As Dr. Saunders points out, obesity is a multifaceted disease that requires a tailored, holistic approach. “If what we’re prescribing doesn’t work, we always have a backup plan,” she says, stressing the importance of finding a treatment plan that addresses the unique needs of each patient.
Ultimately, experts agree that managing obesity requires more than just relying on medications. A combination of medical treatment, lifestyle modifications, and expert guidance is key to achieving lasting success.
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