Why you’re still hungry on weight loss drugs and what to do about it
Peter Paumgardhen | Last update: 18th November 2025
If you’re taking GLP-1 weight loss drugs like Wegovy or Mounjaro and you’re still hungry, you’re not alone. Many SlimrChat users feel confused and disappointed when hunger doesn’t completely disappear after starting treatment.
But here’s the truth: weight loss drugs are powerful, but they’re not magic. Hunger is complex. And in many cases, hunger that persists isn’t a sign the drug isn’t working – it’s a sign your body and your habits are still catching up.
This article breaks down the different types of hunger, why you might still feel it, and what you can do about it, without panic or guilt.
Types of hunger and why it matters
Understanding the kind of hunger you’re feeling is the first step to quieting it.
| Hunger Type | What It Feels Like | What Usually Helps |
| Physical Hunger | Stomach rumbling, low energy, shakiness | Protein, fibre, regular meals |
| Emotional Hunger | Boredom, stress, loneliness | Distraction, emotional support |
| Food Noise | Obsessive thoughts, cravings without real hunger | Mindful eating, habit change |
| Habitual Hunger | Eating at the same time daily out of routine | Routine review, alternative rituals |
Related reading: Understanding and Quieting Food Noise
Why you might still be hungry on GLP-1s
1. You’re not eating enough protein
Low protein = less satiety. Your body doesn’t just want calories, it needs nutrients!
SlimrChat recommends 1.6 to 2.2 grams of protein per kilogram of target weight when losing weight. That’s ~105–144g/day for women and ~124–169g/day for men (dependent on weight).
2. You’re eating too little or skipping meals
Over-restricting (or under-eating) can make hunger rebound worse. It also messes with hormones like ghrelin (hunger) and leptin (fullness).
Build regular, satisfying meals. Don’t try to live on soup or shakes alone.
3. You’re in the wrong part of your cycle (for women)
Hormones fluctuate – especially just before a period. Increased appetite is normal.
Expect more cravings in the luteal phase (days 14–28 of cycle).
4. You’re tired or stressed
Lack of sleep or high stress increases cortisol, which in turn increases hunger.
Read: Why Sleep and Stress Affect Weight
5. Dose isn’t there yet
Most GLP-1 weight loss drugs require gradual build-up to the full dose. Until you reach the maintenance dose (and hold it), hunger may linger.
Be patient and speak to your provider if hunger persists over several weeks.
6. Your eating habits haven’t changed (yet!)
The drug suppresses appetite, but doesn’t fix habits. If you’ve always snacked after dinner that craving may show up even without true hunger.
Replace the habit with tea, a walk, journaling, brushing teeth early, or a warm shower.
7. You’re dehydrated
Thirst often mimics hunger. If you’ve eaten recently and still feel “off,” try water or sugar-free electrolytes first.
8. You’re mistaking emptiness for emergency
GLP-1s slow digestion. So your stomach might feel “empty” even when your body is fuelled.
Emptiness isn’t a danger. Learn to sit with that feeling for a bit.
What to do about it: your hunger toolkit
- Eat 30–45g of protein per meal
- Include fibre + healthy fats (avocado, olive oil, nuts)
- Don’t skip meals – eat consistently
- Use a hunger scale to check if it’s head hunger or body hunger (here’s a hunger chart from the NHS)
- Hydrate before assuming you’re hungry
- Create a ‘comfort toolkit’ that doesn’t involve food (walk, hot bath, phone a friend)
- Track when cravings strike – and look for patterns
Final word
Feeling hungry on weight loss drugs doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong, it means you’re human. GLP-1s help turn down the volume, but they don’t mute every internal signal.
Be kind to yourself. Eat enough, nourish your body, and stay curious about your triggers. And if in doubt, ask for help. That’s what SlimrChat is here for.