Setting Realistic Expectations on Your Weight Loss Journey
One of the most common questions people ask when considering prescription weight loss injections is:
“How much weight can I lose?”
It’s a fair and essential question. While no two journeys are identical, understanding what the clinical evidence shows— and how factors like diet, activity, and consistency affect your results — can help set realistic expectations.
This guide explains:
- How GLP-1 and dual-action GLP-1/GIP therapies work
- What the clinical trials reveal about real-world weight loss
- How fast can you expect results
- Why progress may plateau
- What it takes to maintain long-term success
How Do These Treatments Work?
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
This treatment mimics a natural hormone in your body called GLP-1, which:
- Helps reduce appetite
- Slows stomach emptying (so you feel full longer)
- Regulates blood sugar
- Reduces cravings and emotional eating
It’s delivered via once-weekly injection, starting with a low dose that’s increased gradually.
Dual-Action GLP-1/GIP Therapies
This newer class of treatment mimics two hormones: GLP-1 and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide).
- Offers stronger appetite control
- Provides greater metabolic improvements
- Leads to even more significant weight loss for many patients
Like GLP-1 therapies, dual-action treatments are administered weekly with a step-up dosing plan to improve tolerance and effectiveness.
📊 How Much Weight Can You Lose? (Based on Clinical Trial Data)
| Treatment | Average % Body Weight Lost | Equivalent for 100kg Person | Study Duration |
| GLP-1 Therapy | ~15% | ~15kg | 68 weeks |
| Dual-Action Therapy | ~20–22% | ~20–22kg | 72 weeks |
In clinical trials:
- Over 80% of participants on GLP-1 therapies lost at least 5% of their body weight
- More than 30% of dual-action therapy users lost over 25% of their starting weight
These medications represent a significant leap forward, offering results that once required surgery.
When Will You See Results?
| Timeframe | GLP-1 Therapy | Dual-Action Therapy |
| 1–4 Weeks | Noticeable appetite reduction | Often stronger appetite control |
| 1–3 Months | 3–5% weight loss | 5–7% weight loss |
| 4–6 Months | 10–12% weight loss | 15–18% weight loss |
| 6–12 Months | 15%+ sustained loss | 20%+ faster, deeper loss |
Results build gradually due to dose titration — designed to minimise side effects while achieving long-term metabolic change.
What Affects Your Weight Loss?
Weight loss success varies based on several key factors:
| Factor | Impact on Results |
| Medication consistency | Very strong |
| Diet quality and calorie intake | Very strong |
| Physical activity | Strong |
| Sleep and stress management | Moderate |
| Starting weight/BMI | Moderate |
| Underlying health conditions | Moderate to strong |
Plateaus: Why They Happen — and How to Break Through
Weight loss is rarely linear. You may hit a point where the scale stops moving. Common reasons include:
- Your calorie needs decrease as you lose weight
- Unconscious eating “creep” (hidden calories)
- Reduced physical activity
- Missed doses or inconsistent medication
What to Do:
- Track meals closely for 1–2 weeks
- Increase daily movement (e.g., more steps or strength training)
- Ensure medication is taken on schedule
- Speak to your doctor — dose adjustments may help
Maintaining Weight Loss
Reaching your goal is only part of the journey. Sustaining your results requires ongoing support and planning.
Your Options After Reaching Target Weight:
- Continue at a maintenance dose (under medical supervision)
- Transition to lifestyle-only management
- Stay on treatment long-term (as needed for weight maintenance)
Stopping treatment suddenly without support may lead to weight regain. A gradual transition plan is best.
FAQs: GLP-1 & Dual-Action Treatment Results
Q 1: How much will I lose in the first month?
A 1: Most people see modest results (2–5%), mostly from appetite reduction. Significant weight loss typically occurs over 3–6 months.
Q 2: Is dual-action therapy more effective than GLP-1 alone?
A 2: Clinical trials suggest dual-action therapies result in 5–7% greater weight loss on average.
Q 3: Do I need to exercise?
A 3: While not mandatory, exercise significantly improves results and helps preserve muscle mass.
Q 4: What if I’m not losing weight after 3 months?
A 4: Reassess your diet, exercise routine, and adherence to your medication. Consult with your prescribing doctor for guidance and support.
Q 5: Can I combine treatment with other weight loss methods?
A 5: Yes — these medications work best when combined with healthy eating, regular movement, and behavioural support.
Why Choose WeightLossInjections.ie?
We provide:
- Consultations with licensed Irish doctors
- Access to both GLP-1 and dual-action treatments (
- Full transparency, privacy, and fast online service
- Prescriptions that can be filled in any ROI or NI pharmacy, or via home delivery
- Ongoing support — we don’t just prescribe, we support your progress
Conclusion: How Much Weight Can You Expect to Lose?
- GLP-1 therapies: ~15% weight loss over 12–18 months
- Dual-action therapies: ~20–22% in many cases, sometimes faster
Your results depend on how consistently you take the medication, your eating and exercise habits, and how your body responds. But the potential is transformative.
The most critical step? Getting started.
