8 Red Flags That Ozempic Is Slowing Your Metabolism, According to an Expert

Are You Hitting Plateaus?

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“You thought Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro would make fat loss effortless… But now you’re hitting stubborn plateaus, feeling weak, or even losing hair. Sounds familiar?” she writes.

RELATED: 15 Things to Know Before Requesting Ozempic for Weight Loss

Your Metabolism Could Be “Stalling Out”

“It’s like driving a fancy sports car but forgetting to fuel it properly—you look like you’re going fast, but under the hood, your metabolism is stalling out. If your metabolism slows down while on meds like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Zepbound, losing fat gets harder, muscle loss creeps in, and plateaus become your new normal. But don’t panic—I’ve got you covered!” she says.

Hair Loss

If you have been finding hair strands all over the place, it could be a sign that your metabolism is slowing down. “You’re losing hair,” is her first red flag.

RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

Energy Loss

Red sign number two? Are your feeling more sluggish than usual? “Your energy is constantly low,” is another sign.

Brain Fog

Is your head feeling cloudy more often than not? Another sign your GLP-1 is slowing down your metabolism is “brain fog is worse than usual,” she says.

RELATED:What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Taking Ozempic

No Hunger in the Morning

Have you been waking up and not feeling like eating? “You’re not hungry at all in the mornings” is a red flag of your metabolism slowing down

Moody Behavior

Are you experiencing unusual mood swings? “You’re moodier than normal,” is another red flag, per Dr. Olive.

RELATED:What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Taking Ozempic

Decreased Sex Drive

Another unlikely red flag your GLP-1 is not working the way it should> “Your sex drive is MIA,” she says.

Sleep Disruptions

Are you experiencing sleep issues and disturbances? It could be a sign, says Dr. Olive. “Your sleep is off,” is another red flag.

Weakness or Loss of Strength

Her last red flag is if you are experiencing weakness. “You feel weak and like you’re losing strength,” she writes.

RELATED:20 Things to Avoid While on Ozempic

You Need to Course-Correct

“These are signs your body isn’t thriving—and it’s time to course-correct,” she continues. “When your metabolism slows, your body naturally decreases movement (less fidgeting, less talking with your hands, etc.) to save energy. This makes fat loss harder and plateaus inevitable.”

Here’s How to Fix It

“Eat enough! Skipping meals or eating too little can lead to muscle loss and a slower metabolism,” she says. “Get your protein in! Protein is the most filling macronutrient and helps preserve muscle. Strength train to build muscle and burn more calories at rest. Keep moving! Walking boosts calorie burn without making you hungrier.”

RELATED:5 Foods That Maximize Weight Loss on GLP-1 Medicines, According to Coach

Listen to Your Body

Bottom line? Listen to your body. “Feeling zero hunger, cravings, or food noise is NOT the goal. Dull them, don’t erase them. This helps you build sustainable habits for long-term success,” she writes. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

Understanding Weight Loss Injections

Before diving into strategies for success, it's important to understand what these medications actually do. "These injections include medicines like semaglutide, otherwise known as Ozempic, and tirzepatide (Mounjaro)," Dr. McCann explains in her video. While semaglutide has FDA approval for weight loss in certain individuals, Mounjaro is currently approved only for type 2 diabetes—though many patients experience significant weight reduction with both.

According to Dr. McCann, these medications work through several mechanisms: "They inhibit glucagon release which reduces hunger, decrease glucose production from the liver, delay gastric emptying, and reduce appetite." These combined effects lead to what can be substantial weight loss, particularly beneficial for people with limited mobility who struggle with exercise-based approaches.

Who Should Consider These Treatments?

"These medicines are not for everybody," cautions Dr. McCann. There are important contraindications to consider, including "a personal or family history of thyroid cancer or other endocrine problems or cancers." She emphasizes the importance of discussing your complete medical history with your physician before starting treatment.

Side effects can also occur. "They can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps," notes Dr. McCann. While these symptoms typically subside after a few weeks of treatment, she acknowledges they can sometimes persist longer.

Making the Most of Your Treatment

Dr. McCann views these medications as a starting point rather than a complete solution. "What I like to tell my patients is to use these medicines to really start your lifestyle change," she says. The initial weight loss provides momentum, but maintaining results requires building healthy habits during treatment.

With that foundation in mind, here are Dr. McCann's top three tips for maximizing your results while on weight loss injections:

Tip 1: Eliminate All Sodas and Sugary Drinks

The single most important dietary change? "Stop all sodas," Dr. McCann states emphatically. This includes not just carbonated soft drinks but all sugary beverages like slushes and sweetened coffee drinks.

The impact is staggering: "Drinking one can of soda can make you gain 15 pounds over one year," Dr. McCann explains. "It's virtually impossible to lose weight and keep it off if you drink soda, especially more than one can daily."

This doesn't mean giving up caffeine altogether. Dr. McCann suggests alternatives: "Coffee is a great alternative, especially either black coffee or mixed with a little bit of stevia. A sugar-free skinny latte is also a great option."

Tip 2: Prioritize Protein with Every Meal

When appetite suppression kicks in, making your limited calories count becomes crucial. "Make sure that when you feel like eating, you get your protein, specifically lean protein," advises Dr. McCann.

There's science behind this recommendation. "Protein is what builds your muscle, and your muscle is what burns calories," she explains. "If you don't take in enough protein, you will lose muscle and won't be able to burn as many calories."

The metabolic benefits are significant: "Protein increases your metabolism by increasing your muscle, and that lets you burn more calories," says Dr. McCann. This creates a virtuous cycle that enhances the medication's effectiveness.

Tip 3: Incorporate Consistent Exercise

Exercise remains essential, even with powerful medications. "Exercise is very important for weight loss, for keeping the weight off, for your cardiovascular health," Dr. McCann emphasizes. She adds that it "actually is a natural remedy for anxiety because it releases cortisol."

For beginners, Dr. McCann recommends starting small: "If you're just starting out, 20 minutes four times a week through high intensity training, something like HIIT classes, will be just fine." As fitness improves, both duration and intensity can gradually increase.

Those with physical limitations shouldn't despair. "Exercise is still important, but you may need to talk to a personal trainer to see what exercises you specifically can do to help maintain your muscles," suggests Dr. McCann.

The Long-Term Perspective

These medications offer a valuable opportunity to reset your relationship with food and activity. "Make sure to use this weight loss boost to start your healthy living," Dr. McCann advises, "so that you can lose even more weight and be able to keep it off after you stop the injections."The habits you develop during treatment will determine your long-term success. By eliminating sugary drinks, prioritizing protein, and incorporating regular exercise now, you're building the foundation for sustainable results that last well beyond your final injection. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.