Kardie Tobb, DO, MS, FASPC, FACC, a boardcertified preventive cardiologist and the medical director for the Cone Health HeartCare Women's Heart Health and Cardio-Obstetrics Clinic, explains some of the most common reasons why GLP-1s may not deliver the results you're hoping for, including: You need a higher dose and have not yet reached a therapeutic dose as determined by your doctor High intake of liquid calories , including alcohol and ultra-processed foods Not getting enough protein , which can leave you persistently hungry and makes it harder to feel full Advanced diabetes or insulin resistance Taking other medications such as sulfonylureas, which lower blood sugar but can lead to weight gain Not adhering to your dosing schedule , such as inconsistent weekly injections or missed doses Differences in gut hormones or genetics And just because your GLP-1 isn't working immediately doesn't mean it won't work for you
Cell (2017) 171(1):20116 e18
The why is my semaglutide pink guide covers the same question for those using the semaglutide analog
As of 2025, Retatrutide has completed Phase 2 trials with landmark results and is currently in Phase 3 trials
GLP-1 receptor agonists include semaglutide, dulaglutide, and liraglutide, used for type 2 diabetes and weight management
