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How Much Weight Will I Lose on the WeightSimple Program?

Dr Kevin Liu - June 23, 2024


IN THIS ARTICLE

One of the most common questions our team receives is: “How much weight will I lose?”

It’s a completely understandable question but the truthful and medically responsible answer is that weight change varies from person to person, and no clinic or program can ethically predict an exact number.

At WeightSimple, we focus on long-term weight management, not short-term weight loss promises.

Why Weight Change Looks Different for Everyone

Weight is shaped by many factors beyond calories or diet alone. These include:

  • Biology and genetics
  • Metabolism
  • Hormones
  • Past dieting history
  • Sleep and stress patterns
  • Medications
  • Mental health
  • Medical conditions
  • Lifestyle and environment

Because no two people have the same starting point, outcomes naturally vary. Our role is to help you understand what influences your weight, support you medically and behaviourally, and guide you toward sustainable habits and improved health.

Where GLP-1/GIP Medications Fit Into the Picture:

Most patients are candidates for GLP-1/GIP medications, which are used under clinical supervision as part of a broader weight-management plan.

However:

  • We do not predict or guarantee weight loss amounts
  • We do not advertise specific results associated with prescription medications
  • Medication is only one optional component of the program

Every patient undergoes a full medical assessment before any treatment is considered.

Your care plan may include a combination of:

  • Medical evaluation
  • Nutrition planning
  • Behavioural and psychological support
  • Lifestyle strategies
  • Monitoring and follow-up
  • Medication if clinically appropriate
  • The right combination depends on your health history, needs, and goals.

The Most Important Question Is Not “How Much Will I Lose?” But “What Will Help Me Succeed Long-Term?”

Weight loss alone isn’t the core objective of our program. Our focus is long-term:

  • Improved confidence
  • Better relationship with food
  • Healthier habits
  • Reduced stress around eating
  • Sustainable routines
  • Better physical and emotional well-being

When the process is built correctly, patients often experience meaningful improvements — but the timeline and magnitude differ for each person.

What side effects can I expect from GLP1/GIPs?

Common G.I. side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, indigestion or constipation occurred in 74% of patients receiving GLP1 treatment. While this number appears high at first; in patients receiving placebo (no active medical ingredient) nearly 50% also experienced similar side-effects. Therefore, we can infer that a large portion of these side effects come from losing weight in general, rather than directly from medications.

Other more serious side effects such as acute pancreatitis or development of certain types of cancers, occurred exceedingly rare in both groups. 0.2% of patients receiving semaglutide developed pancreatitis, and a similar number of patients in both groups (1%), developed a new cancer. Given such a small percentage of patients were affected, it is difficult to conclude if these are a result of the medication or simply by chance. Ultimately what we can conclude is these medications are very safe, with common but simple side effects, which can be easily managed with the expertise of our clinical team. **

Evidence-Informed Care Without False Promises

While many people are curious about numbers they see online — averages, studies, or success stories. these do not reflect individual outcomes.

Health Canada regulations prohibit clinics from advertising:

  • Expected weight-loss amounts
  • Medication-specific results
  • Guarantees or promises
  • Statements implying effectiveness or superiority**

So instead of numbers, we provide something more valuable: a realistic, personalized, and medically guided plan that supports your health for the long run.

Your Journey Is Unique — and So Is Your Care

No matter what your starting point is, our team works closely with you to build habits, understand your health, and support your progress compassionately and consistently.

If you’d like to learn how our program can fit your goals, we’re here to help you take the next step.

Click here to speak to one of our clinicians and take the first step of your final weight loss journey.

Disclaimer:

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not describe the therapeutic use, efficacy, or safety of any prescription medication. Any decision about treatment must be made between you and your clinician based on your individual health assessment.

References:

  1. Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, Davies M, Van Gaal LF, Lingvay I, McGowan BM, Rosenstock J, Tran MTD, Wadden TA, Wharton S, Yokote K, Zeuthen N, Kushner RF; STEP 1 Study Group. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2021 Mar 18;384(11):989-1002. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2032183. Epub 2021 Feb 10. PMID: 33567185.

  2. Lincoff AM, Brown-Frandsen K, Colhoun HM, Deanfield J, Emerson SS, Esbjerg S, Hardt-Lindberg S, Hovingh GK, Kahn SE, Kushner RF, Lingvay I, Oral TK, Michelsen MM, Plutzky J, Tornøe CW, Ryan DH; SELECT Trial Investigators. Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Obesity without Diabetes. N Engl J Med. 2023 Dec 14;389(24):2221-2232. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2307563. Epub 2023 Nov 11. PMID: 37952131.

  3. Greenway FL, Fujioka K, Plodkowski RA, Mudaliar S, Guttadauria M, Erickson J, Kim DD, Dunayevich E; COR-I Study Group. Effect of naltrexone plus bupropion on weight loss in overweight and obese adults (COR-I): a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. Lancet. 2010 Aug 21;376(9741):595-605. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(10)60888-4. Epub 2010 Jul 29. Erratum in: Lancet. 2010 Aug 21;376(9741):594. Erratum in: Lancet. 2010 Oct 23;376(9750):1392. PMID: 20673995.

  4. Apovian CM, Aronne L, Rubino D, Still C, Wyatt H, Burns C, Kim D, Dunayevich E; COR-II Study Group. A randomized, phase 3 trial of naltrexone SR/bupropion SR on weight and obesity-related risk factors (COR-II). Obesity (Silver Spring). 2013 May;21(5):935-43. doi: 10.1002/oby.20309. PMID: 23408728; PMCID: PMC3739931.

  5. Wadden TA, Foreyt JP, Foster GD, Hill JO, Klein S, O'Neil PM, Perri MG, Pi-Sunyer FX, Rock CL, Erickson JS, Maier HN, Kim DD, Dunayevich E. Weight loss with naltrexone SR/bupropion SR combination therapy as an adjunct to behavior modification: the COR-BMOD trial. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2011 Jan;19(1):110-20. doi: 10.1038/oby.2010.147. Epub 2010 Jun 17. PMID: 20559296; PMCID: PMC4459776.

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