Walk the red carpet this awards season, and you might do a double-take.
Stars who seemed almost unrecognisable after dramatic weight loss have catapulted drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro into the public eye.
The glossy headlines suggest a magic weekly injection can sculpt a dream body overnight—but the reality is more nuanced.
These medications were designed to treat obesity, not create runway models.
Obesity isn’t just about appearance; it’s linked to diabetes, heart disease, and premature death. GLP-1 drugs mimic a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps curb appetite. They can be powerful tools, but they aren’t foolproof.
The Plateau Problem
For some users, GLP-1s deliver impressive early results.
But studies show that as many as one in five people don’t see meaningful weight loss.
And even for those who do, almost 85 percent eventually hit a plateau.
That’s when weight loss slows, stalls, or stops altogether.
The temptation is to quit—but research from Oxford University suggests that stopping the injections can backfire.
On average, users regain about a pound a month, and many put back most or all of the weight within 17 to 20 months.
Small Changes, Big Impact
Experts stress that there are ways to reignite progress.
For Liverpool mum Emilly Murray, 35, it started with something simple: drinking more water.
She’d been taking Mounjaro since December 2024, weighing 22st (a dress size 30).
Her weight loss stalled, leaving her frustrated.
By focusing on hydration and upping her protein intake, Emilly saw the pounds start moving again.
By summer, she’d lost another five stone, shrinking down to 9st 2lb and slipping into a size 6.
Neuroscientist Dr Rubina Aktar explains why water helps: GLP-1 drugs slow stomach emptying, so users naturally drink less.
Staying hydrated supports metabolism and keeps hunger at bay.
Finding the Right Dose
Many users don’t need the maximum dose to see results.
Studies show that even moderate doses of GLP-1 drugs can produce significant weight loss.
But if progress stalls, it could be time to increase the dose—carefully
. Dr Naveed Sattar from the University of Glasgow advises patients to consider upping their dose once side effects are manageable and affordability is not an issue.
Often, small adjustments make a big difference.
Lifestyle Still Matters
GLP-1 drugs are not a standalone fix. Treating them as such can halt progress.
Prof David Strain of Exeter University emphasizes using the medication to support sustainable changes in diet and activity.
Even small steps—walking a bit more, swapping ultra-processed foods for fruit and vegetables—can supercharge results.
Prof Sattar adds that once early weight loss reduces constant food cravings, it’s the perfect time to embed new habits.
Boosting Muscle to Boost Metabolism
Rapid weight loss can strip away muscle, slowing metabolism.
Dr Debra Marcos, a weight-loss specialist, stresses combining injections with strength training.
Lifting weights two to three times a week preserves muscle and accelerates fat loss.
Protein is essential too—25 to 35 grams per meal helps maintain and rebuild muscle.
This strategy helped 41-year-old Tina Bashford overcome a plateau and restart her weight-loss journey.
Timing Meals and Moving After Eating
Eating earlier in the evening and taking short walks after meals can make a notable difference.
Research shows that earlier dinners improve metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and appetite control.
A brief post-meal walk has been shown to help users shed up to six pounds in a month.
Prof Strain warns that eating late and going straight to bed often undermines weight-loss efforts.
Sleep, Fibre, and Consistency
Sleep is a silent influencer. Poor rest disrupts gut hormones, increases hunger, and makes resisting high-calorie foods harder.
Seven to nine hours per night is ideal.
Fibre also supports GLP-1 effectiveness, keeping digestion regular and helping users feel full longer.
Foods like oats, beans, vegetables, and prunes—or supplements when needed—can make a real difference.
Finally, don’t give up if results stall.
Experts warn that quitting abruptly can leave users worse off than before starting.
Maintaining the drug while making gradual lifestyle adjustments is key for lasting success.
Real-Life Success
Tina Bashford, 41, struggled with weight since her teens.
At 23st 7lb, she suffered severe knee and back pain.
Mounjaro initially helped her drop to 17st, but her progress stalled.
By incorporating gym workouts and combining cardio with weight training, Tina restarted her weight loss. She’s now down to 12st 6lb.
“By making a few shifts in what I was doing, things started moving again,” she says.
The Takeaway
Weight-loss injections are powerful tools—but they’re not magic.
Staying hydrated, eating well, exercising, sleeping properly, and using the right dose are all part of the equation.
Patience and consistency, combined with smart lifestyle tweaks, can help users overcome plateaus and maintain long-term health gains.
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