Voy, the UK’s leading medicated weight loss programme, has unveiled the results of its pioneering study on how behavioural changes impact the efficacy of weight loss medication. The research found that patients who track their weight at least once a week or complete at least one health coaching session lose 53% more weight compared to those using medication alone. The findings confirm that, contrary to popular belief, weight loss medication is not a quick fix and is most effective when supported by traditional, long-term weight management strategies that also support behaviour change.
Conducted in collaboration with the Self-Care Academic Research Unit at Imperial College London, the study examined the behaviours and weight loss outcomes of 57,975 UK participants aged 18-75 with a body mass index (BMI) ≥30. All participants were on a weight loss programme using Wegovy or Mounjaro (more commonly known as weight loss ‘jabs’), but 54.2% were classified as engaged—attending coaching sessions, tracking their weight, and using the app toolkit, all designed to boost results. These participants achieved significantly greater weight loss at every stage.
Based on Voy’s patient behaviour data, the demographic most likely to build new habits as part of a weight loss programme is older women aged 55+. They track their weight more often—on average, six times per month—compared to only three times per month for men aged 18-24. Overall, Voy’s data shows that the more frequently patients track their weight, the more weight they are likely to lose. Women in older brackets also attend the most coaching sessions, averaging five per programme, whereas men aged 18-24 attend fewer than one session on average.
Voy’s data also reveals notable regional differences in weight loss outcomes, with the greatest weight loss* seen in the following parts of the UK:
- Scotland
- Wales
- Northern Ireland
- West Midlands
- Southeast
The research findings align with Voy’s patient behaviour data, further demonstrating that combining behavioural strategies leads to significantly greater results. Attending an average of two coaching sessions per month resulted in 6% more weight lost compared to those who did not attend coaching, while tracking weight 9-12 times per month led to a 3% increase in weight lost compared to those who only tracked their weight 1-4 times per month. While these figures may seem small, they are impactful in the context of what is considered a significant weight loss—just 10% is enough to prevent or reduce diabetes or heart disease, and is considered clinically significant. Voy’s study confirms that these behaviours work best in combination, promoting a holistic, conscious approach to weight loss and driving greater outcomes.
The findings also support past research on successful non-medicated weight loss. A 2008 study** found that participants who weighed themselves weekly or daily over several months lost 1–3 BMI units more and regained less weight than those who weighed themselves less frequently. Regular weight tracking increases awareness of weight and its changes, an effect mirrored in Voy’s study on medication-assisted weight loss.
With research on the use of Wegovy and Mounjaro for weight loss emerging only in 2021 and 2022, this remains a relatively new field with limited scientific consensus on how to maximise and sustain their benefits. Amid the weight loss medication boom, Voy’s research aims to deepen our understanding of its efficacy and highlight the importance of combining medication with behavioural strategies for safer, longer-lasting results.
Dr David Huang, Director of Clinical Innovation at Voy, commented: “New medications such as Wegovy and Mounjaro have transformed how we approach weight loss and unlocked enormous opportunities to prevent the development of poor health. These findings demonstrate the importance of an approach that goes beyond just kilos lost, promoting good health through positive habits and supportive care. Advancing our understanding of sustainable, healthy and effective weight loss management through a clinical, credible, and scientific approach is at the core of Voy.”
Dr Austen El-Osta, Principal Investigator, Self-Care Academic Research Unit (SCARU), Imperial College London, added: “Semaglutide and tirzepatide represent a significant advancement in weight loss treatment that is reshaping our understanding and approach to obesity management. While their effectiveness is undeniable, it’s crucial to assess the long-term sustainability of these results and the role behavioural factors play in successful weight management. Medication alone cannot address the full spectrum of the challenge. This study, conducted in collaboration with Voy, provides invaluable insights into the pivotal role of self-care behaviours—including adherence to effective pharmacological regimen—in medication-assisted weight loss. The implications of these findings are profound and should serve as a foundation for future strategies for achieving lasting weight management success.”
As part of its comprehensive, medically guided approach to weight loss, Voy offers a tailored plan to each patient to address the multiple factors of their individual biology and lifestyle. The programme combines GLP-1 medication with health coaching and meaningful lifestyle changes. Patients are able to build healthy habits with a dedicated health coach as well as track their progress with the Voy app.
* – Weight loss results at month 9, for patients on Wegovy or Mounjaro
** –https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2588640/?tool=pmcentrez&report=abstract