Why am I still hungry on Wegovy?

Introduction

Wegovy, also known as semaglutide, is a medication designed to help curb your appetite and assist in reducing calorie intake. It functions by mimicking the effects of a gut hormone called GLP 1, which naturally occurs after meals and slows down digestion, resulting in a sensation of fullness. This treatment suits individuals struggling with obesity or excess weight, regardless of whether they have type 2 diabetes. The amount of weight lost through Wegovy may vary depending on factors such as your circumstances, level of support received, and duration of treatment. One crucial aspect to consider when using Wegovy is its appetite-suppressing qualities. This poses a challenge in ensuring a calorie intake for overall well-being. To address this concern effectively, it’s crucial to understand your hunger cues while taking the medication and ensure that you’re still obtaining essential nutrients from your diet.

Additionally, Wegovy can impact the dige­stive system by slowing it down, potentially resulting in nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal discomfort, and indigestion. Therefore, seeking guidance from your healthcare professionals before starting this prescription is vital. Besides, promptly report any adverse effects experienced.

Reasons for Hunger on Wegovy

• Consuming high-calorie or unhealthy foods: If people continue to eat high-calorie or unhealthy foods, they might still feel hungry when using Wegovy [1].

• Individual differences in metabolism: Metabolism greatly influences how efficiently our bodies process food and control feelings of fullness. These differences in metabolism can impact how effective Wegovy is in reducing hunger [1]. 

Also Read: The Pleiotropic Effects of GLP-1 Agonists on Weight Loss and Metabolism

• Change in appetite hormones: Losing weight can sometimes affect the hormones that regulate appetite, making it more challenging to feel full and causing an increase in hunger [2].

• Lack of adherence to healthy eating habits: Wegovy can help curb your appetite. However, keep in mind that it isn’t a solution. Nevertheless, you still need to put in the effort and maintain healthy eating habits for sustainable weight loss [3].

Mechanism of action

Wegovy, a medication, works by suppressing your appetite and reducing your food intake. It contains semaglutide, which acts like glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP 1), a hormone released by your gut after meals to control blood sugar levels and decrease your hunger [2][4]. By mimicking the functions of GLP 1, Wegovy helps curb your appetite and leads to weight loss.

However, it’s essential to understand that Wegovy is not a solution; you must still put in effort and stick to healthy eating habits to lose weight [3]. It’s essential to make lifestyle changes to support your weight loss goals. These may include reducing calorie intake, increasing activity, and avoiding unhealthy foods.

Also Read: GLP-1 Agonists and Their Effects on Appetite and Satiety in Weight Loss

Furthermore, losing weight can affect the hormones for controlling appetite, making it challenging to feel full and potentially resulting in heightened hunger [2]. As a result, individuals using Wegovy should also focus on cultivating healthy eating habits as a priority.

Strategies to Manage Hunger on Wegovy

Here are some effective strategies for managing your hunger while taking Wegovy;

• Eat balanced meals: It’s vital to prioritize meals that include ample protein, fiber, and healthy fats to maintain a balanced diet [5][6].

• Stay hydrated: Sometimes, thirst and hunger can be mistaken. It’s crucial to stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day [5][6].

Also Read: Oral Semaglutide for weight loss in non-diabetics

• Mindful eating: Pay attention to your body’s hunger and fullness cues. Consume you slowly and relish in each morsel  [7].

• Create a supportive environment: Surround yourself with people who can help you on your weight loss journey. Also, try to avoid situations that may trigger overeating [8].

The importance of healthy eating habits

Taking care of your eating habits is essential. Being mindful of what and how you eat, staying hydrated, and creating an environment are vital aspects of managing hunger while using Wegovy. Likewise, prioritizing balanced meals that include protein, fibre, and healthy fats is crucial. Additionally, drinking water helps regulate hunger signals because sometimes thirst can be mistaken for cravings [5][6]. Mindful eating means listening to your body’s cues for hunger and fullness, enjoying each bite, and eating slowly [7]. Surrounding yourself with people who support your weight loss journey and avoiding situations that may trigger feelings can also positive impact [8].

Also Read: Can Adipex Cause Constipation?

Tips and suggestions for each strategy.

Here are some tips and suggestions for each strategy:

1. Eat balanced meals:
   • To maintain a healthy and balanced diet, it is suggested that you plan your meals in advance. 
   • Enhance the nutritional content of your meals by including protein-rich foods like lean meats, fish, beans, and legumes. 
   • Choose foods that are high in fibre, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. 
   • To ensure an overall nutritious diet, consider adding sources of healthy fats like nuts, seeds, and avocado to your meals.
2. Stay hydrated:
   • To ensure you stay hydrated during the day, it’s an idea to have a water bottle with you as a reminder. 
   • If you want to make your water more appealing, try adding slices of lemon, lime, or cucumber for some added flavor. 
   • Drinking water before meals can help you feel more fuller.
3. Mindful eating:
   • Eat slowly and savor each bite.
   • Pay attention to your body’s hunger and fullness cues.
   • Avoid distractions such as TV or your phone while eating.
   • Take breaks during your meal to check in with your body and assess your hunger and fullness levels.
4. Create a supportive environment:
   • Surround yourself with people who support your weight loss journey.
   • Avoid situations that trigger overeating, such as buffets or all-you-can-eat restaurants.
   • Find healthy ways to cope with stress or emotions, such as exercise or meditation.
   • Celebrate your successes and progress along the way.

Also Read: When Wegovy Doesn’t Work?

Conclusion

In summary, Wegovy, also known as semaglutide, can be a tool in your weight loss journey. However, its effectiveness in reducing your appetite depends on factors such as your circumstances and commitment to healthy habits. While it imitates the effects of GLP 1, a hormone in the gut that helps suppress appetite and control food intake, it’s important to remember that it shouldn’t be solely relied upon as a solution. When using Wegovy, it’s crucial to manage hunger. This can be achieved by prioritizing balanced meals that are rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Additionally, staying hydrated, practicing eating, and creating an environment are essential factors. It’s vital to commit to these strategies and seek guidance from your healthcare team to achieve your weight loss goals with Wegovy. It’s worth noting that weight loss may impact appetite hormones; therefore, being attuned to your body’s signals and maintaining habits play a role in achieving success with this medication.

Reference

1) Mha. (2023). Still hungry on Wegovy? Here’s what you need to know- Medical Health Authority. naomedical.com. https://naomedical.com/info/still-hungry-on-wegovy-2.html

2) The Science to Obesity | Wegovy^TM (semaglutide) Injection 2.4 mg. (n.d.). https://www.wegovy.com/tools-and-resources/the-science-to-obesity.html

3) The top four reasons Wegovy doesn’t work. (n.d.). https://www.parathyroid.com/blog/top-4-reasons-wegovy-doesnt-work

4) Ingersoll, A. (2023). The Ultimate Guide to Wegovy. Enara Health. https://enarahealth.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-wegovy/

5) Mha. (2023b). Why am I hungry on Wegovy? Understanding the effects of Wegovy on appetite- Medical Health Authority. naomedical.com. https://naomedical.com/info/why-am-i-hungry-on-wegovy-understanding-effects-appetite.html

6) Mha. (2023c). Why am I hungry on Wegovy? Understanding the effects of Wegovy on appetite- Medical Health Authority. naomedical.com. https://naomedical.com/info/why-am-i-hungry-on-wegovy-effects-appetite.html

7) What is mindful eating? (n.d.). https://www.wegovy.com/dashboard/my-library/week-08-what-is-mindful-eating.html

8) Tips for Your Weight-Loss Journey | Wegovy^TM (semaglutide) Injection 2.4 mg. (n.d.). https://www.wegovy.com/tools-and-resources/tips-for-getting-started.html