Blog

by Kyle Davies on May 11, 2025

fresh celery stalks wrapped with a measuring tape

Why Is It So Hard to Lose Weight Even with GLP-1s and Support?

You have done everything “right.” You have started a GLP-1 treatment. You have changed your eating habits. You are moving more. And yet… weight loss still feels inconsistent, or even frustrating.

If this sounds familiar, you are not alone.

Even with medical drugs like GLP-1s (Wegovy, Saxenda, Ozempic, Zepbound, Mounjaro), weight loss is hard and keeping it off is even harder. That is not failure. That is biology, psychology, and human life all in motion.

In this post, we will explore:

Why weight loss is biologically and emotionally complex.
Why regaining weight is common. Even after success.
And how to stay compassionate and consistent with the help from tools like Forte80™.

Let’s Be Clear: It’s Not Just You

Despite what headlines or social media say, weight loss is not a simple formula. It is not “just calories in, calories out.”

Your body is programmed to protect fat stores and fight against weight loss. Especially after you lose significant weight. [1]

Regain Is Common And Not Your Fault

Often, it is not hard to lose 5 kilos. Many diets and plans can get you there.
But what is hard? Keeping it off.

Research shows that over 80% of people who lose a substantial amount of weight regain it within 2–5 years. [2]

This is especially true when:

You lose weight too quickly.
You rely only on willpower or restriction.
There is no long-term medical or behavioural support.

And yes, it can still happen even with GLP-1s if the treatment is stopped too early or side effects make it hard to stay consistent.

Your Body Fights Weight Loss

When you lose weight, your body does not just sit back and accept it. It responds:

Biological Change	Effect
Metabolism slows	You burn fewer calories at rest
Appetite increases	Hormones like ghrelin rise
Satiety signals weaken	You feel less full on the same food
Fat-storing hormones rise	Body tries to “re-stock” energy

This protective response is called adaptive thermogenesis, and it helps explain why plateaus and regain are so common. [3] [4]

GLP-1s Help - But They’re Not Magic

GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are powerful tools that can lead to 10–20% weight loss over time. [5]

They work by:

Reducing hunger.
Slowing gastric emptying.
Improving blood sugar regulation.

But they don’t guarantee permanent results, especially if:

Treatment is stopped.
You can’t tolerate side effects.
Your gut or mindset isn’t supported.
Long-term habits don’t take root. [6] [7]

Why Weight Loss Is Also Emotional

Weight is not just stored in the body, it is stored in experiences, emotions, and habits. [8]

You may be navigating:

Decades of diet culture and shame.
Emotional eating as a coping strategy.
Social pressure and self-criticism.
Past failures or fear of regaining again.

All of this matters. And all of this can make you feel like quitting, even when the medication is working.

You are not lazy. You are navigating a complex system and doing your best.

Your Gut Health Matters, Too

Your digestive system changes on GLP-1s.

Many people experience:

Nausea.
Constipation.
Vomiting.
Bloating.
Fatigue. [9]

This discomfort can make it hard to eat well, move comfortably, or stay motivated. And over time, it can lead to stopping treatment altogether.

What is more: your gut microbiome influences hunger, mood, inflammation, and energy, so when your gut is unhappy, your whole weight loss process suffers. [9]

So… What Can You Do?

1. Expect Plateaus - and Do Not Panic

Plateaus are normal. They are not failure. They are your body adjusting.
Keep going. Review your plan with your doctor and dieticians. Focus on habits and process, not just the scale.

2. Do Not Stop Too Soon

Weight regains is much more likely if GLP-1 treatment is stopped after only a few months. Guidelines from the ADA, EASD, and SGED all recommend long-term treatment - because obesity is a chronic condition, not a quick fix. [10]

3. Support Your Gut with Forte80™

Forte80™ is a targeted probiotic created to:

Help manage nausea, constipation, bloating, and GI discomfort.
Support microbiome balance during weight lose with reduced food intake.
Improve comfort so it is easier to stick to your plan.

Starting Forte80™ before or alongside GLP-1 treatment may help you stay consistent - so you do not stop due to preventable side effects.

4. Be Gentle with Yourself

Weight loss is hard because it is not just physical. It is personal. You deserve support, not shame. Look for progress, not perfection and give yourself consistency, not punishment.

Celebrate the days you stick with it. And forgive the days you do not.

Final Word: Sustainable Weight Loss Needs Support

If you feel like weight loss is still hard, even with medication, you are right.

But that does not mean it is impossible. It means you are human.

With science-based tools, long-term care, gut health support, and a compassionate mindset, you can build the future you deserve, without beating yourself up to get there.

Learn more about Forte80™

References: