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Tracking Your Weight Loss Progress: Why It Matters and How to Do It Right
Starting a weight loss journey can feel a bit like standing at the bottom of a mountain. It’s exciting, full of possibility but let’s be honest, it can also be pretty overwhelming. Whether you’re hoping to drop a few pounds or make bigger lifestyle changes, one thing can make all the difference: tracking your progress.
Now, you might be wondering, “Isn’t stepping on the scale enough?” Not quite. Tracking is about so much more than just the number you see on your bathroom scale. It’s about understanding how your body reacts to what you eat, how you move, and how you live. When done right, it can help you stay motivated and make smarter choices.
If you're with SheMed, weekly weigh-ins are a required part of the programme — our proctors check and record your weight before each GLP-1 injection to keep you on track. And if you’re with another provider, it’s still worth building in your own consistent weekly check-ins. That regular feedback loop is powerful. Let’s dive into why tracking matters, how it can empower you, and the best ways to go about it.
Why Tracking Progress Is a Game-Changer
“Why bother tracking if the scale isn’t budging?” Great question. The truth is, there’s a lot happening behind the scenes when you’re trying to lose weight things the scale doesn’t show.
1. The Mental Boosts:
- Staying Motivated: When you track your workouts or log healthy meals, you see proof that you're showing up for yourself and that builds momentum.
- Sticking to Healthy Habits: When you’re tracking your choices, you’re more likely to keep making good ones. It’s like giving yourself a gentle nudge in the right direction.
- Celebrating the Small Wins: That extra energy in the morning? Clothes fitting better? These are wins worth noting and they often show up before the scale moves.
2. The Practical Perks:
- Knowing What Works: If you're feeling great but not losing weight, tracking helps pinpoint whether it’s your diet, your sleep, or maybe even your stress levels.
- Watching Your Health: It’s not all about weight. Tracking can show improvements in things like sleep, energy, or mood signs your body is getting healthier.
- Catching Red Flags Early: Feeling tired all the time? Progress stalling? Your tracker might help you catch issues early, like a nutrient gap or overtraining.
Smart Ways to Track Progress
Tracking doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, the best methods are often the simplest.
1. Weekly Weigh-Ins (But Don’t Obsess)
Once a week, same day, same time that’s the sweet spot. Ideally in the morning, after the bathroom, before eating. Don’t weigh yourself daily; it’ll just mess with your head thanks to normal body fluctuations (hormones and water retention).
How SheMed Helps You Track the Right Way
At SheMed, we believe that tracking your progress shouldn’t be a guessing game, it should be built into your journey. That’s why we’ve made it part of the process.
Every week, before your GLP-1 injection, a trained proctor will check your weight and ensure it's accurately recorded. No more second-guessing the scale or wondering if you're on track. This regular check-in helps you stay accountable and gives you a consistent, reliable snapshot of your progress.
Beyond the numbers, our team also encourages you to track how you feel your energy levels, sleep, cravings, and even mood. These insights, paired with professional support, help you make adjustments early, avoid plateaus, and stay motivated throughout your transformation.
SheMed isn’t just about the medication, it's about giving you a structured, supportive system to help you succeed.
2. Body Composition > Just Weight
Weight alone doesn’t tell you what’s really going on. Are you losing fat but gaining muscle? A scale won’t show that. Tools like smart scales or body fat callipers can give you a clearer picture, or get a pro assessment if you want more precision.
3. Tape It
Take measurements around your waist, hips, thighs, and arms every few weeks. Sometimes the inches drop even when the scale doesn’t budge. It’s one of the clearest signs that your body is changing for the better.
4. Snap Some Pics
Take progress photos every week or two. Same lighting, same clothes. It might feel awkward at first, but it’s one of the most motivating ways to actually see your transformation.
5. Look Beyond the Numbers
Are you sleeping better? Feeling stronger on your walks? Less bloated after meals? These non-scale victories matter more than you think and they’re worth tracking, too.
Get Support When You Need It
If things feel confusing or you’re not sure you’re on the right track, talk to a healthcare professional. Whether it’s a GP, a dietitian, or a coach, they can give you personalised advice based on your body, goals, and lifestyle.
They’ll also keep you accountable and that’s half the battle.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, tracking your progress is about more than just weight loss it’s about taking charge of your health and building habits that actually stick.
Not every week will be perfect. The scale might go up before it goes down. That’s okay. What matters is that you’re moving forward and you’re doing it in a way that’s healthy, informed, and built to last.
Ready to take the first step? SheMed Healthcare’s personalised weight loss programme designed to help you track smarter and reach your goals with confidence.
FAQs (Quick & Human-Style)
1. How often should I weigh myself?
Once a week is plenty. Try Monday mornings before breakfast — keep things consistent. If you are with SheMed then you’ll do it before taking the next dose with our proctor online.
2. Is the scale the only way to measure progress?
Definitely not. Track how your clothes fit, take photos, and pay attention to your energy levels.
3. What if progress slows down?
It happens. Reflect, adjust, and focus on how far you’ve come — not just what’s left.
References
- National Health Service. (2023). Better health: Lose weight. https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/lose-weight/
- Hsu, Y., & Riddle, M. C. (2017). The role of dietary tracking on weight loss in the Diabetes Prevention and Management program. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28852651/
- Donnelly, J. E., & Smith, B. K. (2017). The impact of exercise on weight loss and maintenance: A review. PMC. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5556592/
- National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2020). Obesity: Identification, assessment and management. In Obesity: Identification, assessment and management (pp. 1-10). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK580496/
- Dyer, A., & O’Neill, S. (2017). The impact of continuing professional development on health professionals' performance and patient outcomes: A scoping review of knowledge syntheses. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30717197/
- McCarthy, M., & McCarthy, D. (2018). The effects of exercise on weight loss and maintenance in individuals with obesity: A systematic review. PMC. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5785177/
Mounjaro is a new medication developed by Eli Lilly that contains the active ingredient tirzepatide. It was originally designed to help people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels. Mounjaro is administered as a once-weekly injection using a self-injection pen, typically into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. In the UK, tirzepatide (Mounjaro) has been approved for use by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
Besides helping with blood sugar, Mounjaro has also been found to be very effective at helping people lose weight. This is why you might have heard it called a "weight loss jab" in the media.
- How you take it: You inject Mounjaro once a week. Your doctor will usually start you on a small dose and slowly increase it over time. This helps your body get used to the medicine and can lower the chance of you feeling sick.
How it Works:
Mounjaro is like a "twin hormone" medicine. It acts like two natural gut hormones, GLP-1 and GIP. These hormones help control blood sugar and appetite.
- It helps your body release more insulin when needed and lowers sugar from your liver, improving blood sugar control.
- It makes you feel fuller sooner and for longer, helping you eat less.
- Working on both GLP-1 and GIP is thought to be why it can lead to greater weight loss than medicines that only use GLP-1 (like Semaglutide in Ozempic/Wegovy).
What is it Used For?
- Type 2 Diabetes: Mounjaro lowers blood sugar effectively, often helping patients reach better levels (lower HbA1c). It's used alongside diet and exercise, sometimes with other diabetes medicines, typically when standard treatments aren't enough, especially if weight loss would help.
- Weight Management: In studies, people using Mounjaro lost a significant amount of weight, often averaging 15-20% of their body weight over about 1 to 1.5 years. It's approved for adults with obesity (high BMI) or those with a lower BMI and a weight-related health problem.
Access in the UK:
- NHS: Mounjaro is available on the NHS for type 2 diabetes if you meet certain criteria. For weight loss, NHS access is starting gradually through specialist clinics for adults with a very high BMI and multiple weight related health issues.
- Private: You can also access Mounjaro privately through weight loss clinics, pharmacies or online services like ours if you meet the medical criteria. SheMed operates a weight management programme specifically tailored for women, which includes the potential prescription of GLP-1 medications such as Mounjaro and Wegovy, provided the individual meets their medical criteria.
Mounjaro vs. Semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy):
Both are effective weekly injections. Semaglutide works on GLP-1 while Mounjaro works on both GLP-1 and GIP. Studies suggest Mounjaro may lead to slightly more weight loss on average. But choice of drug depends on a number of factors and is very individual.
Side Effects and Safety:
Common side effects are usually mild stomach issues (nausea, vomiting, etc.) that often improve over time. Because it affects appetite, you'll feel less hungry. If you take other diabetes medicines, your doctor might adjust doses to prevent low blood sugar.
Serious side effects are rare, but contact a doctor immediately for severe tummy pain, persistent vomiting, allergic reactions, or worrying mood changes.
Important Note: Mounjaro works best with healthy eating and exercise. If you stop Mounjaro, appetite and weight can return if lifestyle changes aren't maintained.
Check our healthcare support page to see if Mounjaro could be a suitable option for you based on your health needs and the latest criteria.
FAQs
1. How is Mounjaro administered?
Mounjaro is given as a once-weekly injection. Your healthcare provider will guide you on the correct dosage and administration technique.
2. Can I use Mounjaro if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
No, tirzepatide is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as its safety in these situations has not been established. If you are planning to conceive or are breastfeeding, discuss alternative options with your doctor.
3. How long does it take to see results with Mounjaro?
While individual results vary, many users begin noticing changes within a few weeks. Maximum benefits are typically observed after several months of consistent use, alongside dietary and lifestyle adjustments.
References
- MotherToBaby. (2024). Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®, Zepbound®) - Mother To Baby | Fact Sheets. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK605070/
- Watanabe, M., & Hasegawa, Y. (2021). Tirzepatide in adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes. New England Journal of Medicine, 385(11), 1046-1056. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2107519
- Kahn, S. E., & Florez, J. C. (2023). Tirzepatide: A dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist for type 2 diabetes management. PMC, 11543192. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11543192/
- Kahn, S. E., & Florez, J. C. (2023). Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity. New England Journal of Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36751934/
- Nauck, M. A., & Quast, D. R. (2020). Glucagon-like peptide-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide: A review of their roles in obesity and type 2 diabetes. Endocrine Reviews, 41(3), 1-24. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32459834/
- Kahn, S. E., & Florez, J. C. (2020). Tirzepatide: A novel dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist for type 2 diabetes management. Endocrine Society. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK605070/
A groundbreaking clinical trial has revealed that Mounjaro (tirzepatide) leads to greater weight loss than its rival Wegovy (semaglutide), offering new hope for people struggling with obesity.
Head-to-Head Results: Mounjaro vs Wegovy
The study, presented at the European Congress on Obesity and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, compared the two most talked-about weight-loss injections. Over 72 weeks, participants taking Mounjaro lost an average of 20% of their body weight, compared to 14% for those on Wegovy. That’s a significant difference, especially for those with a lot of weight to lose.
Key Findings:
- 32% of Mounjaro users lost at least a quarter of their body weight, compared to 16% on Wegovy.
- Waistlines shrank more: Mounjaro users lost an average of 18cm from their waists, while Wegovy users lost 13cm.
- Health improvements: Mounjaro also led to better blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol results.
- Similar side-effect profiles for both drugs.
- Women tended to lose more weight than men on both medications.
How Do These Medications Work?
Both Mounjaro and Wegovy help people feel full, reducing appetite and encouraging the body to burn stored fat. The key difference is that Wegovy mimics one appetite-control hormone, while Mounjaro targets two, which may explain its superior results.
Mounjaro and Wegovy: Availability and Eligibility in the UK
Both Mounjaro and Wegovy are available for weight management in the UK through both the NHS and private clinics. Here’s what you need to know about who can access them and how.
NHS Eligibility Criteria
Both medications are available on the NHS, but only for people who meet specific criteria:
- Adults with a BMI of 35 or above and at least one weight-related health condition (such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, or osteoarthritis).
- Adults with a BMI of 30 or above who qualify for referral to a Specialist Weight Management Service (SWMS) and have not succeeded with other weight loss methods.
- Some groups, such as certain minority ethnic backgrounds or those with cardiovascular disease, may qualify with a BMI as low as 27.5.
Private Prescription Criteria
For those seeking treatment privately, the requirements are less strict:
- BMI of 30 or above, or BMI of 27 or above with a weight-related health condition or from certain ethnic backgrounds.
- Patients must complete an online or in-person consultation, including questions on weight, medical history, and current medications.
- New regulations require verification of identity and medical suitability, often with GP input or supporting records.
Estimated Monthly Costs
Customers seeking access to weight loss treatments like Mounjaro and Wegovy can conveniently receive private prescriptions through online clinics such as SheMed Healthcare. SheMed specializes in providing healthcare services tailored for women, including a dedicated weight loss programme.
Here is a breakdown of the programme's pricing:
- Starting Price: £99 for the initial dose.
- Includes: This initial cost covers a health screening, which involves a blood test to ensure the treatment is safe and appropriate.
- Subsequent Doses: Later doses are priced at £159 each.
Conclusion
This major trial confirms Mounjaro's significant edge over Wegovy, demonstrating superior weight loss and better health outcomes for individuals with obesity. Both medications represent powerful advancements in weight management and are available in the UK via NHS and private pathways, offering promising new options for those seeking effective medical treatment. If you have any questions about these medications or weight loss options, please visit the SheMed Support website for more information.