- A recent study found that people who set personal weight loss targets may achieve greater results with GLP-1 medications.
- People using tirzepatide (Zepbound or Mounjaro) saw more weight loss if they set goals or had previously tried structured diet plans.
- The results also indicate that women tended to experience greater weight loss with GLP-1s than men, suggesting sex-specific differences.
Millions of people have achieved significant weight loss with GLP-1 medications, a blockbuster class of drugs that mimic an appetite-suppressing hormone to trigger significant metabolic changes.
Some people may experience more weight loss than others while using these medications, but there are various strategies that can help promote long-term weight loss.
New research examined weight loss outcomes among people using tirzepatide (Zepbound and Mounjaro). The study included people who set personal weight loss goals and those without pre-existing conditions, such as type 2 diabetes.
The findings show that females lost more weight than males, and those who set personal weight loss goals experienced greater weight loss.
The results have not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal but were presented at ENDO 2026, held from June 13–16 in Chicago, IL.
“These findings align with my own clinical experience. I have found that patients who set realistic goals and actively work toward them through dietary and lifestyle changes are more likely to see significant benefits from weight loss medications,” said Mir Ali, MD, medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA. Ali wasn’t involved in the study.
The study analyzed data from 80,942 individuals with an average age of 43 who had just begun treatment with a GLP-1 drug containing the active ingredient tirzepatide.
Of these, 21,490 reached the 6-month follow-up. At the 12-month follow-up, 4,429 participants were included. The majority of the participants were still accruing follow-up time.
The researchers found that females were significantly more likely than males to achieve a 20% total body weight loss by the 12-month follow-up. They also found that individuals who set a baseline weight loss goal and had previously attempted diet plans achieved a higher percentage of weight loss.
The findings suggest that setting a weight loss goal while using a GLP-1 medication may lead to even greater weight loss.
“This isn’t surprising, given that psychological research has shown that setting goals provides direction, can help focus attention, and can help us maintain commitment and motivation to our goals,” said Nicole Andreoli, PhD, licensed psychologist with Pathway Psychological Services in New York, NY. Andreoli wasn’t involved in the study.
“While the GLP-1 medications can help with the biological aspects of appetite and food noise, goal setting helps with the behavioral pieces, such as monitoring progress, making intentional choices, and maintaining consistency,” she told Healthline.
Additionally, those with pre-existing conditions at the start of the study were less likely to achieve the 20% body weight loss target by the 12-month follow-up. These conditions included:
“These findings could help physicians better counsel patients about realistic expectations and tailor their support to the needs of each patient,” study author Hans Johnson, research lead in the Department of Clinical Research and Innovation at Voy, said in a press release.
“For example, doctors could ensure patients with motivational barriers to losing weight receive additional behavioral interventions alongside their medication,” Johnson continued.
GLP-1 drugs promote weight loss, but many people may experience weight regain when they stop taking the medication.
For long-term weight management, experts emphasize adopting healthy lifestyle habits. Pairing GLP-1 drugs with practical goal-setting and sustainable behavior change is key to success.
“Regardless of whether a patient is using medication, has undergone weight loss surgery, or is seeking dietary advice, I emphasize that the most effective approach is to reduce carbohydrate and sugar intake while prioritizing proteins and vegetables. This approach encourages the body to burn fat stores,” Ali told Healthline.
“Additionally, I recommend regular exercise — even walking — to help minimize muscle loss during the weight loss process,” he said.
Andreoli noted that “food awareness” is important. “I always stress to my clients: pay attention to your relationship with food,” she said.
“GLP-1 medications create a unique opportunity to rebuild healthy eating patterns, create a greater awareness of your body’s internal cues for hunger and fullness, and to identify any emotional factors that influence eating. Ultimately, the goal is not just weight loss but to develop habits and skills that last long after the initial weight loss phase,” Andreoli said.
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