How to Find Your Target Weight on GLP-1 Weight Loss Treatment
When starting medical weight loss therapy many patients ask the same question:
“What should my goal weight be?”
While it’s important to have a target, it’s just as important to understand that weight loss is a process, not a destination. In this post, we’ll explore how to approach goal setting in a healthy, flexible, and evidence-based way.
Understanding BMI: A Starting Point, Not the Whole Story
The most common tool for setting a weight loss target is Body Mass Index (BMI), a calculation based on height and weight. The formula is:
BMI = weight (kg) / height (m²)
BMI Categories:
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Underweight: < 18.5
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Normal weight: 18.5 – 24.9
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Overweight: 25 – 29.9
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Obesity: ≥ 30
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines a “healthy” BMI as being under 25. Reaching this range is often used as a medical benchmark for reducing the risks of heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions.
The Limitations of BMI
While BMI is helpful at a population level, it has important limitations:
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It doesn’t account for muscle mass vs. fat mass
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It doesn’t reflect where fat is stored, which impacts health risk
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It doesn’t measure metabolic health (blood sugar, cholesterol, inflammation)
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It may misclassify athletes or older adults
At Flow Wellness, we believe how you feel is often tell a more complete story than BMI alone.
Setting a Realistic and Flexible Goal
Weight loss isn’t linear, and neither is your goal. It’s common for patients to adjust their target weight as they progress in treatment—often because they begin to feel better before they reach their original number.
Here’s what we recommend:
Start With a Range, Not a Number
Instead of one “ideal” weight, choose a healthy range based on where you feel physically strong, mentally clear, and emotionally balanced.
Consider Going Slightly Below Your Target
We often recommend aiming for a weight about 5 pounds below your anticipated goal.
This provides a buffer for normal fluctuations or plateaus that may happen during:
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Travel
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Holidays
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Medication pauses
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Hormonal changes
By allowing for a small cushion, you’re less likely to feel discouraged if the number temporarily increases.
Be Open to Reassessment
Many patients on GLP-1 medications discover:
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Their body composition changes (more muscle, less fat)
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Their clothing fits better even if the scale doesn’t drop
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Their mental health and self-image improve regardless of the number
Your original goal may become less important as your confidence and health grow.
What Matters Most
Weight loss is only one part of the picture. At Flow Wellness, we focus on total wellness, which includes:
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Healthy blood pressure and cholesterol
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Strong, sustained energy
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Improved sleep and digestion
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Balanced mood and hormones
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Reduced reliance on medications
GLP-1 medications are a powerful tool, but your long-term success depends on building a plan that fits your lifestyle—and evolves with you.
Finding your target weight isn’t about chasing a perfect number. It’s about identifying a weight where you feel your best, and building the habits to stay there.
Your journey is personal, and we’re here to guide you through every step.
Ready to take the next step?
Schedule a free consultation with Flow Wellness to create a customized medical weight loss plan tailored to your body, goals, and long-term health.
