Why am I not losing weight on Liraglutide? 05 Facts About Liraglutide

Liraglutide (Nevolat) is an injectable treatment designed to support weight loss. It can feel discouraging if the scales aren’t moving while you’re using it, but there are several possible explanations for slow or limited progress.

Shedding weight is a gradual process. It requires steady, long-term lifestyle habits such as eating balanced meals and staying active.

One way to understand whether you’re at a healthy weight is by checking your BMI (body mass index). You can work this out using the  NHS BMI calculator. If your BMI is above the recommended range for your height, your chances of developing conditions like heart disease or diabetes are higher. Losing weight can help reduce these risks.

You may be prescribed Liraglutide if you are over 18 and your BMI is:

• Above 30, or
• Between 27 and 30 and you have a weight-related condition, such as pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, or obstructive sleep apnoea.

Liraglutide works alongside healthy lifestyle changes. It helps by reducing hunger, which in turn encourages you to eat less food.

Does Liraglutide work straight away?

Liraglutide begins to curb your appetite shortly after you start using it, but visible weight-loss results take a little longer.

You begin with a low dose of 0.6mg once daily, increasing it each week by 0.6mg until you reach the full 3mg daily dose by week 5. Your doctor will guide you through this titration schedule.

Moving up slowly allows your body to adjust and helps minimise side effects. Most people experience only mild symptoms when starting Liraglutide, such as:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Headaches

These effects usually ease off after a few days or weeks. Because the dose increases gradually, the strongest appetite-suppressing effect builds over time.

How long does Liraglutide take to show results?

The timeline varies from person to person. After 56 weeks on the full 3mg dose, around 50.7% of users lose at least 5% of their starting body weight.

Liraglutide mimics the action of a natural hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite and makes you feel satisfied after eating. With a reduced appetite, you naturally consume fewer calories. Over time, this energy deficit leads to gradual weight loss.

Slow, steady progress is healthier and more sustainable. Rapid weight loss often results in the weight returning. Long-term habits—like smaller portions, fewer snacks, and consistent activity—are key.

Setting small, achievable goals and getting support from those around you can make the journey easier.

How can you tell if Liraglutide is working?

You can monitor your progress by:

• Checking your weight weekly, ideally at the same time each week
• Measuring your waist or thighs with a tape measure

Keeping a log helps you track changes over time.
Within a few days, you may notice feeling less hungry or becoming full more quickly during meals. Over weeks and months, this reduced appetite helps your body burn stored fat.

If you haven’t lost 5% of your initial body weight after 12 weeks at the full 3mg dose, the treatment should be stopped, and another option may be recommended.

Why might Liraglutide seem like it isn’t working?

There are several common reasons:

1. Not enough time has passed

It takes at least 5 weeks to reach the full dose. Most people start noticing significant weight changes within the following 12 weeks.

2. Incorrect usage or dose

Ensure you’re using the pen correctly and taking the right daily dose.

3. Lifestyle habits

Liraglutide works best alongside healthy eating and exercise. In clinical studies, participants also followed guidance on diet and physical activity. Taking it alone, without changing your lifestyle, usually isn’t enough.

If you have type 2 diabetes, consult your doctor—your insulin or medication doses may need adjusting.

Consuming too many calories

Even with appetite control, weight loss won’t happen if your calorie intake remains too high. A structured meal plan can help.
General daily guidelines are:

• Up to 2,000 calories for women
• Up to 2,500 calories for men

If you consistently eat more than this, you will need to reduce your intake to see results. The NHS also offers a free weight-loss app and helpful diet resources.

If you initially lost weight but then plateaued or started regaining, reassessing your eating habits can help.

Not doing enough physical activity

Exercise plays a major role in losing weight and staying healthy.

Adults aged 19 to 64 should aim for:

• 150 minutes of moderate exercise OR
• 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week
• Plus strength training twice weekly

If you’re new to exercise, build up gradually. Small steps such as walking more often can make a difference. Planning your weekly activity can help you stay consistent. Programmes like the NHS Couch to 5K are also great for beginners.