Over the past couple of years, I’ve had a few phone calls from my GP that I could have really done without.
The first came when I was 65, still serving as Culture Secretary, and I was sitting in the back of a ministerial car, heading to a meeting.
My doctor didn’t mince words: “You’re pre-diabetic. It’s not great, but you’re just on the edge of the pre-diabetic range.”
Her advice was clear—lose weight as quickly as possible, at least 12 pounds, and change my diet.
I was caught off guard.
I thought I was eating fairly healthily—I avoided red meat, steered clear of ultra-processed foods, and cooked meals from scratch.
But standing at just over 5 feet tall and weighing 11 stone 3 pounds, I knew something wasn’t right. I hadn’t fully lost the baby weight from 30 years ago, and the bathroom scales seemed to fluctuate constantly.
My wardrobe was packed with clothes I couldn’t wear, and I shuddered at old photos of myself.
The real challenge was how to shed those extra pounds when I had so little control over my schedule or diet.
My job was incredibly demanding, and I was away from home most of the week, eating on the go, often late at night, and frequently opting for takeaways. That phone call shook me up. I knew I had to make a change.
Losing 4 pounds used to be a breeze in my 20s, but those days were long gone.
I decided to overhaul my lifestyle.
Working with the late Michael Mosley on a documentary, I read one of his books where he said, “All disease begins in the gut.”
That struck a chord with me. I started eating more fruits and vegetables, cut back on chocolate, avoided cakes and biscuits, and gave up sugar in my morning coffee. I even restricted my wine consumption to weekends.
Small Wins and Setbacks
After five months of hard work—extremely hard work—I was pleased to see my repeat blood test show I was no longer pre-diabetic and my weight had dropped to 10 stone 5 pounds.
However, the scales seemed stuck there. Despite my efforts, the weight wouldn’t budge. My daughters pointed out that it might be due to age.
Plus, there were always events or trips that got in the way. I wasn’t gaining weight, but I wasn’t losing any more either.
Then came the next unwelcome phone call: I had non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, a condition linked to obesity that could lead to serious health problems.
I argued that I had lost weight, but apparently, it wasn’t enough. My BMI was still far from normal. The NHS guidelines suggested I needed to weigh between 7 stone and 9 stone 6 pounds. I had two more stone to lose.
Embracing New Solutions
About nine months ago, I joined a gym, started Pilates and yoga, and took up dog walking.
Yet, the scale refused to budge. At 66, losing those 28 pounds felt overwhelming.
I realized I hadn’t fully addressed the core issue: my love for indulgent treats. My life revolved around food—entertaining and trying new recipes.
When I received the third call, my doctor informed me that my cholesterol was high, and she recommended statins.
The idea of more medication was disheartening.
I had just transitioned from Westminster to focusing on writing novels and columns, thinking I’d have more control over my health. Yet, despite my best efforts, I was still struggling.
A New Approach with Ozempic
The fourth call pushed me to consider drastic measures.
My doctor said, “We need to double your statins. Your cholesterol is still high.” I was frustrated and felt like a failure.
I decided to try Ozempic. I’d seen its success on others and was intrigued. Although it’s officially for type 2 diabetes, I could also choose Wegovy or Mounjaro for weight loss.
I felt a mix of embarrassment and hope as I ordered Mounjaro online.
The process was detailed, requiring proof of ID, body measurements, and a photo to confirm my weight.
After paying £153, I received my first month’s supply. I carefully followed the instructions, starting with a low dose of 2.5 mg per week.
Navigating Side Effects and Results
I was anxious about the side effects, but I pushed through.
The first injection was painless. However, I experienced unexpected side effects when I took it at night—vivid nightmares and a restless night’s sleep.
The following day, I felt off, struggled with food, and had to rest more than usual. I even fainted from not eating enough.
Despite these challenges, by the end of the first month, I had lost 4 pounds.
Most of the weight seemed to have come off my face, though. My daughter warned about “Ozempic face,” but I couldn’t control where the weight was lost.
I had to make an effort to eat, and a mishap where I fainted due to not eating highlighted the importance of maintaining proper nutrition.
Moving Forward with Confidence
By the end of the first month, I had lost nearly a stone.
While still in the amber zone, I’m down another 3 pounds since my last photo. Obesity is a major health concern and linked to many serious conditions.
Dieting is tough, and I’m grateful for something that eases the process.
I’m no longer beating myself up for struggling with conventional weight loss methods.
I believe Mounjaro has significantly improved my health and longevity. I’m happier, more confident, and even fitting into clothes I haven’t worn in years.
I plan to continue for a second month and then reassess. My goal is to reach a healthy BMI and maintain it through self-discipline.
My granddaughter, who is almost three, is my inspiration.
I want to be there for her and stay healthy for as long as possible. She keeps me motivated, and I’m determined not to let my weight become a problem again.
TDPel Media
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