Wegovy: Is It Equally Effective for Everyone? – 'Non-responders' and Their Solutions

Wegovy is clearly an innovative obesity treatment. However, it does not produce the same effect for everyone.

In fact, it has been reported that among people who used Wegovy for more than six months, about 20% experienced only 5% or less weight loss. This is called a ‘non-responder.’

| Donga Ilbo (2024-11-24)​“Wegovy and Mounjaro, 1 in 5 people fail to lose weight”…Even in clinical trials, 15% were ‘non-responders’ AP reported, citing expert opinions…“Responses differ from person to person” “High expectations for the drug can lead to disappointment” ​Obesity medications in the GLP-1 receptor agonist class, such as ‘Wegovy’ (ingredient name: semaglutide) and ‘Mounjaro’ (ingredient name: tirzepatide), do not help 1 in 5 people lose weight, AP reported on the 23rd (local time), citing expert opinions. According to AP, most obese patients who took Wegovy or Mounjaro in clinical trials lost an average of 15–22% of their body weight. However, 10–15% of clinical trial participants lost less than 5% of their body weight and were classified as ‘non-responders.’ However, experts pointed out that the proportion of non-responders could reach as high as 20% as millions of people are taking these medications. They warned that patients should not expect uniform effects from the drugs. Fatima Cody Stanford, an obesity specialist and professor at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), said, “It is important to explain that responses differ from person to person.” GLP-1 receptor agonists are substances with a structure similar to the GLP-1 hormone. GLP-1 is a hormone secreted when food is consumed. It acts on pancreatic beta cells to increase insulin secretion while reducing glucagon secretion, producing effects such as lowering blood sugar. It also acts on the brain to suppress appetite and delays food passage through the stomach, helping maintain a feeling of fullness. It is reported that differences in response to obesity medications in the GLP-1 receptor agonist class may occur depending on genetic, hormonal, and individual factors. Professor Stanford explained, “Conditions such as sleep apnea or certain medications such as antidepressants, steroids, and oral contraceptives can interfere with weight-loss effects.” Another expert expressed concern that if weight loss is minimal compared with expectations, patients may feel frustrated. Katherine Saunders, professor at Weill Cornell Medicine, said, “High expectations can lead to disappointment,” adding, “It can be emotionally very difficult.” Experts emphasized that since medication response can be identified quickly, it is important to conduct a comprehensive analysis and provide appropriate treatment. Jody Dusay, professor at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), said, “It may be possible to try treatment with another GLP-1 drug, or there may be a better response to older medications,” adding, “A lack of response to one drug does not mean it is over. I hope people can continue to see results through other options.” Professor Saunders said, “Lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management can have as much impact as medication, so a comprehensive treatment approach is needed,” adding, “It may not be possible to achieve the desired effect through a prescription, but there is always another alternative.” |

✅ Individual differences do exist, even with Wegovy’s effects

After directly using Wegovy for 7 to 8 months, CEO Joonghun Cho of Bliss Clinic experienced about 15% weight loss, from 100 kg to 85 kg.

After that, even when the dosage was increased or the interval was adjusted (every 3.5 days), there was no further change in weight.

This was similar to the ‘weight-loss plateau’ many Wegovy users experience, and it was the moment that made us realize this point could be the drug’s limit.

🔁 Compared with Mounjaro

When Mounjaro was additionally used directly,

the body weight decreased further from 85 kg to the low 80 kg range.

Similar to the figures in published papers, Mounjaro showed about 20% weight-loss effects.

However, no further weight loss occurred beyond that, which led to the question:

“What should we do if we really want to lose more weight?”

🧪 So, the ‘Bliss DT-7 Program’ was developed

Bliss’s original diet program developed to go beyond the limits of existing medications – DT-7.

As a result of applying it directly, the CEO himself succeeded in losing a total of 28 kg, from an initial 100 kg to the current 72 kg.

This is a figure that would be difficult to reach with medication alone.

It is currently being applied to non-responders and patients in a plateau phase among those who have used Wegovy for more than a year,

and most show a satisfactory weight-loss response within two months.

⚠ Case of managing Wegovy side effects – considering the risk of pancreatitis as well

The risk of pancreatitis, which can rarely occur during Wegovy use, should not be overlooked.

At our clinic, one staff member actually stopped Wegovy due to elevated pancreatic enzyme levels,

and afterward, after switching to the DT-7 program, we achieved both stabilization of pancreatic levels and weight loss at the same time.

This case was an important experience showing the potential of DT-7 not only for effective dieting,

but also for ensuring safety.

🎯 Conclusion – After medication, and after the plateau, you need to think ahead

Many people currently using Wegovy are likely entering stages 4 and 5.

After this stage, the amount of weight loss often stops at the 70–80% level,

and if you want to lose more, a specialized program and approach are needed.

"Even if you are in a weight-loss plateau or a non-responder, don’t give up."

Bliss’s DT-7 program may be a new answer.

Click below to receive a consultation about Bliss’s DT-7~