That is the honest starting point. Not a range. Not "results may vary" without context. The trial enrolled adults with obesity, ran for about 16 months, and measured actual weight change.
The average was 14.9% on semaglutide versus 2.4% on placebo. People on Wegovy lost roughly six times more weight than those on an identical program without the drug.
How results actually distribute
The 14.9% is the mean. The distribution matters more, because it tells you the realistic range of where people land.
| Weight loss threshold | Wegovy | Placebo |
|---|---|---|
| 5% or more | 86% | 32% |
| 10% or more | 69% | 12% |
| 15% or more | 50% | 5% |
| 20% or more | 32% | 2% |
Half of everyone who took Wegovy in the trial lost 15% or more. About one in three lost 20% or more. On the low end, roughly 14% lost less than 5%. That group exists, and any honest summary has to include them.
What it looks like at your starting weight
Percentages are consistent but pounds depend on where you start. Here is how 14.9% and the surrounding range translate to actual numbers.
| Starting weight | 5% loss | 10% loss | 15% (avg) | 20% loss |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 180 lbs | 9 lbs | 18 lbs | 27 lbs | 36 lbs |
| 200 lbs | 10 lbs | 20 lbs | 30 lbs | 40 lbs |
| 220 lbs | 11 lbs | 22 lbs | 33 lbs | 44 lbs |
| 250 lbs | 13 lbs | 25 lbs | 37 lbs | 50 lbs |
| 300 lbs | 15 lbs | 30 lbs | 45 lbs | 60 lbs |
The 15% column is the trial average. The 5% and 20% columns show the range most people fall within based on the responder data above.
Why your result will differ from the average
Clinical trials are controlled. Real life is not. A few things that move the needle:
The trial measured weekly injections with close monitoring for 68 weeks. Missed doses and early stops reduce total weight loss. The average assumes you finish the course.
All participants followed a structured diet and exercise program alongside the medication. The 14.9% number reflects that combination. The drug alone, without lifestyle changes, typically shows lower results.
GLP-1 response varies between people. Some are high responders who lose significantly more than average. Others see minimal effect even at full dose. This is not well predicted in advance.
14.9% is at 68 weeks. Some people plateau before that. Others are still losing at week 68. The week-by-week curve matters more than the endpoint if you are trying to set expectations early on.
How Wegovy compares to the other drugs
Standard Wegovy is not the highest-performing option in published trials.
| Drug | Active ingredient | Trial | Avg loss | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wegovy HD | semaglutide 7.2mg | STEP UP (2025) | 20.7% | 72 wks |
| Zepbound / Mounjaro | tirzepatide | SURMOUNT-1 | 20.9% | 72 wks |
| Wegovy | semaglutide 2.4mg | STEP 1 | 14.9% | 68 wks |
| Ozempic | semaglutide 1mg | STEP 2 | 8.7% | 68 wks |
Ozempic is primarily a diabetes medication, so the STEP 2 population is different and not a direct comparison. Wegovy HD and the tirzepatide drugs (Mounjaro/Zepbound) show higher averages in their respective trials. The mechanisms differ, which is why tirzepatide can produce different outcomes than semaglutide at any dose.
If you and your doctor are weighing options and maximum weight loss is the goal, those trials are worth reviewing — the Mounjaro vs Wegovy guide on this site walks through both side by side.
Project your own timeline
Enter your weight and drug. The calculator maps your week-by-week projection against the actual trial curve, with an optional goal weight to see when you might reach it.