GLP-1 medications have transformed the landscape of medical weight loss, helping many people shed pounds, reduce their risk of chronic disease, and improve overall wellness. But what if these medications don’t work for you?

At Flow Wellness, we understand that weight loss is not a one-size-fits-all journey. Up to 10% of people do not experience significant weight loss while taking GLP-1 medications—and the rate of nonresponse is even higher in men. If this sounds like your experience, it’s important not to feel discouraged. There are several reasons why you might not be seeing the results you hoped for—and many strategies to help get you back on track.

Optimize Diet: Focus on Protein

GLP-1 medications help regulate appetite and reduce cravings, but they’re most effective when paired with the right nutrition. One key factor? Protein intake.

To support muscle maintenance, reduce hunger, and improve metabolism, aim to consume 0.5 to 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight daily. Prioritize protein-rich meals that include lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy, legumes, or protein supplements.

Also consider the timing of your meals—eating protein and fat before carbohydrates can reduce blood sugar spikes and promote longer-lasting satiety. Including protein for breakfast will help overall protein intake during the day.

Exercise: Strength Training and Movement

GLP-1 medications are not a replacement for physical activity. In fact, movement and muscle-building are critical to ensuring success on your weight loss journey—especially for those who don’t initially respond to medication.

We recommend:

• Strength training 2–3 times per week: Builds lean muscle, supports metabolic health, and prevents the muscle loss that can accompany weight loss.

• Walking 10,000 steps per day: A great way to improve cardiovascular health, increase daily calorie burn, and enhance mood and energy.

Ideally, do both. The combination of strength training and regular walking provides the best support for sustained weight loss and long-term health.

Check Your Hormones: Thyroid, Estrogen, Testosterone & More

If your diet and exercise are on point but weight loss still isn’t happening, the next step is to evaluate your hormonal health.

• Thyroid Dysfunction: Hypothyroidism can slow your metabolism and lead to fatigue, weight gain, and poor response to GLP-1 medications. We recommend testing TSH, free T3, and free T4 levels.

• Estrogen & Progesterone: In women, perimenopause or menopause-related hormone changes can cause weight gain, especially around the midsection. If these hormones are imbalanced, weight loss can be frustratingly slow.

• Testosterone: In both men and women, low testosterone levels are linked to increased fat mass, reduced muscle, and lower energy—all of which can blunt the benefits of GLP-1 medications.

At Flow Wellness, we offer comprehensive hormone testing and Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) to help optimize your body’s natural balance and unlock better results.

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Not Seeing Results? You’re Not Alone—We Can Help

If GLP-1 medications aren’t working for you, don’t give up. Let’s work together to investigate the root cause—whether it’s lifestyle, hormones, or something else—and adjust your plan. At Flow Wellness, we offer a personalized, integrative approach to weight loss and hormone optimization that considers every aspect of your health.

Book a no-charge weight loss consultation today and take the first step toward empowered wellness. Free 15 minute informational BHRT phone call also available with Dr Shena Vander Ploeg for Central Oregon residents.

Flow Wellness offers BHRT services in Bend, Oregon and medical weight loss services at our clinics in Bend, Oregon & Seattle, Washington and in Oregon, Washington, and California via tele-health.

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