Losing Strength on Wegovy: What Real Users Are Experiencing
As Wegovy (semaglutide) continues to reshape how people approach weight loss, many users are discovering an unexpected challenge: feeling weaker in the gym, on runs, or even in everyday life.
For some, the scale shows progress - pounds dropping steadily - but strength scores, body-composition scans, or just daily energy tell a different story.
This article pulls together real voices from online communities where people candidly share their struggles with fatigue, muscle loss, and stalled progress, alongside tips that help. It also includes guidance from a pharmacist on how to protect your strength while using Wegovy.
Early Concerns: "Why am I losing muscle, not fat?"
Some Wegovy users describe a surprising - and worrying - pattern in the first few weeks: body-composition scans showing lean mass drops, not fat.
"I started Wegovy 2 weeks ago… lost 3 pounds but ALL of it is muscle mass according to the scan. Not even a pound of fat. Has this happened to anyone else?" -u/Brilliant_Sherbet466
Others note that strength and bodyweight are naturally linked, and losing some lifting power may be inevitable with weight loss.
"Powerlifting success and healthy weight are inversely correlated, so your lifts will definitely suffer. You have to figure out if throwing up PRs is worth your health in the long-term." -u/lasttempationofjebus
Fatigue and Recovery: "I’m too tired to progress"
While some blame muscle loss, others point to sheer exhaustion. Lower calorie intake and side effects like nausea can sap training intensity.
"The problem for me isn’t protein - it’s fatigue. I’m too tired to lift heavy enough to progress in my lifts. Being in a deficit obviously doesn’t help." -u/wet_hen
A few find their energy dips track closely with the injection cycle, forcing them to adjust their training schedule.
"On Wegovy, I can’t use pre-workout because it makes me nauseous. I’ve noticed it’s more difficult to have the energy to work out the day or two after an injection, so I try to make those my recovery days." -u/Agitated-Syllabub-24
Protein: Fuel for Strength
Across forums, one theme comes up again and again -get enough protein. Users share daily targets and strategies to hit them, even with a reduced appetite.
"My goal is to consume my goal weight in grams of protein. Six days a week of strength training, yoga, pilates, spin - no fatigue." -u/amandalucia009
"100 grams of protein per day. Lift heavy weights 4 times per week." -u/pumpkintummy-
"Keep your protein high. Make sure to hit your target calories. This has been a major chore on Wegovy." -u/dreamscapesaga
Protein shakes, Greek yogurt, and lean meats often appear in user routines, helping them bridge the gap when food intake is low.
Adapting Workouts: "I had to switch things up"
Many Wegovy users are adjusting their routines, finding new rhythms that match their energy and appetite.
"I’ve been weight lifting for years… Took my first dose last week and was wrecked with tummy troubles and fatigue. This week I feel GREAT - back up at 4:30AM to lift again." -u/jacqattack426
Others acknowledge that heavy lifting may take a backseat - at least temporarily.
"I have barely been lifting these last 8 months and it’s because of the medicine. Energy levels are not what they used to be. Small price to pay, though - just been running more, yoga, and bodyweight exercises." -u/evangelism2
The takeaway? Strength training matters, but it may need to be flexible: lighter loads, more recovery days, or new forms of exercise.
Body Composition: DEXA, InBody, and the Numbers Game
One reason strength loss feels so alarming is the feedback from body-comp scans. But results can vary widely by method.
"I’ve lost 30 lbs and gained a lb of muscle according to InBody scans. Getting in calories is hard, but protein shakes make it easier." -u/OwsleysApples
"I recently did a DEXA scan… lost 35 lbs, but my body fat % is still 42% and muscle mass low. This was a wake-up call that I need to start weight-lifting." -u/Glp1Go
While DEXA is considered the gold standard, users stress looking at trends over time rather than obsessing over single numbers. Hydration, meal timing, and even scan technology can skew results.
Practical Strategies: What Helps Users Hold On to Strength
From hundreds of posts, several practical themes stand out:
- Prioritise protein. Aim for at least 100 g/day, or \~1.2–1.6 g/kg of body weight. Shakes can help when appetite is low.
- Lift regularly. Even 2–3 resistance sessions per week help maintain muscle. Bands, dumbbells, or machines all count.
- Match workouts to energy. Plan tough sessions away from injection days if fatigue is worse then.
- Keep weight loss steady. Many aim for 1–2 lbs per week to protect lean mass.
- Consider supplements. Some lifters mention creatine (3–5 g/day) as useful for strength and recovery.
When It’s More Than Normal Weakness
A dip in gym performance is expected during weight loss, but some users warn against ignoring more serious signs.
"I recently did a DEXA and realised my fat % was still very high and muscle low - that was my signal I needed to lift seriously." -u/Glp1Go
"I can’t open jars or carry groceries like before. That’s when I knew it was more than just losing a few PRs." -u/Anonymous
If weakness interferes with daily life, or scans show disproportionate lean-mass loss, it’s a sign to reassess - protein intake, training approach, or even your dose and overall calorie deficit.
A Pharmacist’s Perspective
We asked Alessandro Grenci, Superintendent Pharmacist at Medino, to share professional advice:
"Some strength loss during weight reduction is common, but most of it comes from being in a calorie deficit, not from Wegovy itself. The key is planning from day one: ensure adequate protein, ideally spread across meals, and combine it with resistance training."
"Aim for steady, sustainable loss rather than rapid drops. If scans or your daily function suggest you’re losing too much muscle, that’s the time to speak with your prescriber or pharmacist. Body-composition checks every few months can help keep you on track."
Final Thoughts: Protecting Strength on Wegovy
Wegovy is a powerful tool for weight loss, but protecting your strength, muscle, and daily function matters just as much as watching the scale.
The good news? Most users find they can preserve - or even build - strength by focusing on protein, keeping up resistance exercise, pacing their weight loss, and listening to their body.
If weakness starts to feel disruptive, don’t ignore it. Talk to your healthcare team, review your diet and training, and make adjustments early.
Because weight loss should leave you stronger, not weaker.
