Setting realistic goals for body, mind and health when on weight loss drugs
Ed Milner | Last update: 1st October 2025
Weight loss drugs like Wegovy or Mounjaro can provide an incredible boost, but they’re not magic. Success still comes down to having a plan, building healthy routines, and setting goals that go beyond the number on the scale. This guide walks you through how to set realistic, holistic goals that support your body, mind, and overall health while taking weight loss medication
Why setting the right goals matters
Weight loss is rarely a straight line. Plateaus happen. Side effects pop up. Life gets in the way. Having clear, achievable goals keeps you focused, and stops you from giving up when progress slows.
The best goals:
- Are realistic (no 10 kg-in-a-month targets)
- Focus on health, habits, and mindset – not just the scale
- Give you multiple ways to win, not just weight loss
To get the best results whilst on weight loss drugs you need to build new lasting habits:
Set goals for your mind, body and health and track them:
Goals for your body: Weight, fitness, and physical wins
| Goal | Why it matters |
| Aim to lose 5–15% of your body weight | Even 5-10% weight loss can dramatically improve blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and joint pain |
| Stick to a gradual pace | 0.5-1 kg per week is a safe, sustainable rate that allows your body to adjust |
| Focus on fat loss, not just the scale | Some muscle loss can happen during weight loss, include 2-3 strength sessions per week to maintain lean mass |
| Build a consistent activity routine | Aim for 150+ mins per week of moderate activity (e.g. walking), plus 2 days of resistance work |
| Celebrate non-scale victories | Clothes fitting better, improved stamina, reduced knee pain – they all count as success |
Goals for your mind: Confidence, habits and emotional health
| Goal | Why it matters |
| Improve body image and confidence | The aim isn’t perfection. It’s about feeling stronger, healthier, and more in control |
| Break the cycle of emotional eating | GLP-1s reduce appetite and cravings. It’s up to you to take the opportunity to build new habits |
| Set small, weekly behaviour goals | For example: log meals, eat protein at breakfast, walk after dinner. The realistic wins boost motivation |
| Manage expectations | These meds aren’t magic. You still need to move your body and nourish it well |
Read our article on staying motivated here
Goals for your health: Beyond weight loss
| Goal | Why it matters |
| Focus on improving health markers | Motivation from better sleep, blood sugar or cholesterol is more powerful than just appearance |
| Work towards medical targets | Whether it’s lowering HbA1c, reducing blood pressure, or improving PCOS . Your doctor or healthcare provider can help you set these |
| Improve diet quality | More fruit, veg, lean protein and fibre = fewer cravings, more energy, better digestion |
| Prioritise sleep and stress management | Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep, and try mindfulness or breathing exercises to reduce cortisol |
| Manage side effects | If nausea or constipation hits, work with your doctor/healthcare provider to adjust dosing or tweak your diet |
How to track your progress (not just weight)
| What to track | How to track it |
| Weight loss | Weekly check-ins via a smart scale or app. Don’t obsess over daily fluctuations |
| Fitness | Use step counters, watches or fitness apps to monitor movement and strength sessions |
| Habits | Track water, protein, meals, or screen-free time using paper or phone-based logs |
| Mood and motivation | Journal or rate how you feel weekly. Is your energy up? Confidence better? Sleep deeper? |
| Health targets | Work with your GP to monitor blood pressure, HbA1c, cholesterol or other markers |
Realistic tips that help long-term
- Set weekly goals and review them. Aim for consistency, not perfection
- Focus on how you feel, not just what the scale says
- Use apps or trackers to stay accountable, or a friend from the SlimrChat community
- Remind yourself: slow progress is still progress
Read more with our article on the importance of planning here
Here’s a quick checklist to help you keep on top of things:
Final word from SlimrChat
Weight loss drugs help you get started, but your goals are what keep you going.
Whether you’re aiming to lower your blood pressure, walk up stairs without gasping, or just feel more confident in your clothes, setting the right goals makes the journey easier and more rewarding.
Start small. Be kind to yourself. And track what matters most to you.
Need help setting goals or staying motivated? Join the SlimrChat forums to connect with others on the same journey.