If you’ve started your weight loss journey — whether through lifestyle changes, medication, or medical support — having a clear goal can make all the difference. But not just any goal. Vague aims like “lose weight” or “get healthier” can be difficult to follow and even harder to maintain. That’s why, at Eltham Pharmacy, we encourage patients to set SMART weight loss goals and monitor their progress using a weight loss tracker.

SMART goals are:

• Specific

• Measurable

• Achievable

• Relevant

• Time-bound

This proven method takes your big-picture vision and turns it into manageable steps, helping you stay focused, motivated, and realistic throughout your journey — especially when using medical weight loss treatments like Mounjaro or Wegovy.

Specific: Know Exactly What You’re Aiming For

The first step in setting a SMART goal is defining exactly what you want to achieve. Instead of saying “I want to lose weight,” consider:

• “I want to lose 10kg so I can lower my blood pressure”

• “I want to fit into my pre-pandemic clothes”

• “I want to improve my mobility to walk without discomfort”

Being specific gives your goal purpose and emotional value — both powerful motivators.

At Eltham Pharmacy, we help patients shape goals that are health-focused, realistic, and meaningful, whether you’re starting Mounjaro injections or making lifestyle changes alone.

Measurable: Track Your Progress

You need a way to measure your success. This could be:

• –> Weekly weight logged in your weight loss tracker

• –> Waist or hip measurements

• –> Number of steps or minutes exercised per day

• –> Number of snacks reduced per week

Tracking progress helps identify trends — like plateaus or steady losses — and gives you something to celebrate, even if the scales stall. Many of our patients using weight loss injectables like tirzepatide benefit from tracking more than just weight: appetite levels, energy, mood, and food choices can all show meaningful progress.

We recommend updating your weight loss tracker weekly, ideally at the same time of day and under similar conditions, such as first thing in the morning before breakfast.

Achievable: Keep It Realistic

While ambition is great, setting goals that are too drastic can lead to frustration or unhealthy behaviours. Instead of aiming to lose 5kg in a week, think in terms of gradual, sustainable change — like 0.5–1kg per week, depending on your treatment plan and starting weight.

If you’re using medication such as Mounjaro, you may experience a faster rate of weight loss initially. However, we’ll work with you to set targets that are safe, steady, and tailored to your body’s response.

We also help you break bigger goals into short-term steps:

• –> 1st month: Lose 3kg and adjust to your injection schedule

• –> 2nd month: Begin light exercise three times per week

• –> 3rd month: Reduce takeaway meals to once a fortnight

Achievable doesn’t mean easy — it means possible with the right support.

Relevant: Link Goals to Your Life

Your goal should mean something to you personally. It could relate to a health condition, a fitness milestone, or your mental wellbeing. Avoid choosing a number on the scales just because someone else did — it has to matter to you.

At Eltham Pharmacy, we often support patients managing:

• –> Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes

• –> Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

• –> Joint pain related to excess weight

• –> Low energy and self-confidence

When your goal is tied to a meaningful outcome — like reducing medication or being able to play with your children more easily — you’re far more likely to stay committed.

Time-Bound: Set a Realistic Deadline

A goal without a time frame is easy to postpone. Instead, choose a reasonable deadline that keeps you focused. You might say:

• “I want to lose 6kg in 12 weeks”

• “I want to reduce my portion sizes over the next 2 months”

• “I will track my progress every week for 3 months”

Using a weight loss tracker with regular check-ins lets you measure short-term progress while keeping sight of your bigger goal. It also gives us the chance to adjust your treatment plan if needed — whether that’s fine-tuning your injection dose or offering more support around eating habits.

How We Can Help at Eltham Pharmacy

As part of our pharmacy-led weight loss service, we offer:

• –> Private consultations

• –> Access to prescription weight loss medications, including Mounjaro and Wegovy

• –> Personalised goal-setting and progress tracking

• –> Ongoing support from experienced pharmacy staff

• –> Optional progress reviews using your weight loss tracker

Get in touch to access further support, including tips on how to stay accountable week by week.

Ready to Set Your SMART Goals?

Whatever your starting point, SMART goal setting can make your weight loss journey clearer, more focused, and more achievable. With the help of your weight loss tracker and the expert support of Eltham Pharmacy, you’ll have all the tools you need to succeed.

Book your consultation today to get started with your personalised plan — and let us help you turn your goals into results.

This blog was written on behalf of Eltham Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.