Women over 55 more likely to lose weight than any other group with weight loss programme

A study of nearly 60,000 people has found that weight loss medications - which are prescription only - are more effective when patients taking them also weigh themselves weekly or take part in at least one health coaching session. In fact, people who did that lost a whopping 53% more weight compared to those who just used the medication.

The research, from Voy - the UK's leading medicated weight loss programme - and Imperial College London revealed that weight loss drugs aren’t a quick fix for obesity. However, with the addition of the right support via traditional weight management strategies, strategies that encourage lifestyle and diet changes that stick for the long-term, weight loss drugs do have a greater impact. The study also found women aged 55+ are most likely to make long lasting lifestyle habits alongside engaging in a weight loss programme - and so tend to see the best results.

Dr David Huang, Director of Clinical Innovation at Voy, said: “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.”

For those that are eligible (they have an online quiz to determine eligibility), Voy offers a combination of coaching and weight loss medication - specifically GLP-1 medications, like Mounjaro and Wegovy, which help control appetite, reduce cravings and lower blood sugar levels - to help people struggling, reach a healthy weight without resorting to fad diets. The programme is led by doctors, scientists and behaviourists, and the brand’s aim is to stop people being consumed by the cycle of losing and then putting on weight, over and over again. The first month costs from £129.

For an alternative, Juniper offers a similar package of weight loss medication and health coaching and one-to-one health tracking, costing from £29 a week, so is cheaper. Again, only eligible users are able to access the programme.

The NHS also runs the The NHS Digital Weight Management Programme in England for patients that are living with obesity as well as diabetes, hypertension, or both. This can be accessed through GPs, and is free, but can be dependent on where patients live.

One Voy customer said: “I've enjoyed my time with Voy so far - I've lost over a stone in 2 months but I'm doing it at a sustainable rate thanks to the support from the coaches and nutrition tips via the app. The app is really useful and motivates you to stay on track and keep track of your journey.”

Another said: “Very easy to understand the options available. Screening and identity checking were robust giving confidence that the prescription process was tailored to the individual. Package arrived quickly after approval and instructions for the administration of the drug were clear and simple.”

A third added: “The whole process was so easy. I was able to have my first dose a few days after ordering. Instructions were easy to follow and the medication was carefully and discreetly packaged.”

However, one user said: “Voy has been a game changer for me. The app is easy to use and the daily points really help. At the start the learning on different topics really supports you. I didn’t have the best time with coaches at first, swapping about and no response to some questions. It put me off that aspect but recently it’s been better and the AI coach is great to get pointers on certain things like protein snacks or hydration tips.”

Another said: “I had fantastic support from the outset, with a really helpful interview and easy referral for support for the side effects."

Voy - for those that are eligible - can prove a useful resource for people looking for professional support to help them lose weight.