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Weight loss chat

A space to talk openly about weight loss journeys and challenges. Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. You may wish to speak to a medical professional before starting any diet.

I have about 9 stone to lose and I need to make some changes now!!

119 replies

ReallyNeedToLoseWeightNow · 25/05/2025 13:44

According to the NHS BMI calculator I am in the obese category and need to lose just over 9 stone to be at the top end of the healthy weight category 😬 Losing that much weight will be extremely difficult and will take years…
Having a quick look on Google it looks like it is realistic to lose 2 stone in 14-28 weeks so I am going to say that I will be happy if I have lost a stone by the end of August and 2 stone by December!! Obviously I will still have a long way to go even if I do achieve these goals but I think it is import to set realistic goals so that I can stay motivated and stick to it 🤞

I am going to start with 2-3 weeks of slimfast and then try to plan snacks and meals that match the slimfast calories once I am used to eating less. I am also going to try and start exercising and aim to start with half an hour 2-3 times a week and build it up as I get used to it.

I am so unhappy with now much weight I have gained, how I look and how I feel and I need to make some changes now!!

OP posts:
Koazy · 25/05/2025 18:29

As someone who spend years on faddy diets and slimfast etc, if you can afford it get on the Mounjaro. Life changing.

MunchingCeleryAlone · 25/05/2025 18:29

You must look at / Google 'New You Plan' - a very low calorie and total food replacement plan.

It's often recommended by doctors and hospitals, can reverse type 2 diabetes and most people lose around a stone each month on plan.

You eat 4 packs each day for 17 stones or under OR 5 packs of over 17 stones (choose from tasty shakes, yummy bars, soups, cake mixes, porridges, savoury meal mixes or even pot meals).
You can have 1 treat each day if you really want to - only their crisps, biscuits, or snack products though.

Each pack is nutritionally complete and provides 1/4 of what your body needs each day - no fuss counting calories, tracking macros, buying special food ingredients or faffing around with weighing portions!

If you use the discount codes / new starter bundle packs, it works out to approximately £1.25 per meal - £5 daily for your entire food!!!

I was like you and had tried all sorts of different diets, Slim fast, etc and either couldn't stick to them or felt starved!
I found New You Plan after reading about NHS recommended 'meal replacement programmes'.

You stay on plan for 12 weeks and then have a 2 week break (eating low calorie, los carb foods at 1000 calories minimum and then go back on plan for another 12 weeks, etc, etc until you achieve your goals.

I've been 'on Plan' for just over 3 months and have lost just under 3 stones - absolutely buzzing and so very pleased with the easy results.
I don't get hungry anymore, have more energy and my only regret is that I didn't know about this amazing plan sooner.

narkyspirit · 25/05/2025 18:30

I have been similar to you in regards to drinking lots of fizzy drinks, chocolate sandwiches ( Tesco meal deals) and generally poor diet with too much wine and beer, take away every week and big portions.

I'm active but weight has crept up to just over 15 stone and BMI 37. High blood pressure and Cholesterol going up

After seeing a friend go on Mounjaro and losing 5 stone in as many months I decided to give it a go, concerned about the diahorea issue as have IBS as well.
!7 weeks in and I'm 2 stone down with very little side effects even IBS is hardly an issue, Blood pressure is down etc. I had tried diets and would fall off very quickly, since day one of MJ I have fasted 16/8 first food is 11 am and only a banana which sees me through to dinner most days. I am in the gym 4/5 days a week first thing in the morning 2 sessions a week with PT. I still have 2.5 stone to go before BMI drops below 25 I am aiming for 1.5lb a week. I still have a curry made at home but portion sizes are half what I would have had, fresh cooked meal at home every day.

Good luck which ever way you go

Duechristmas · 25/05/2025 18:34

I'm six stone down on mounjaro with a stone and a half to go. There is no way I could've done it without due to my age and insulin resistance. I feel so well now and I'm able to exercise which is improving my health even more.
The cost isn't an issue as I'm no longer eating out, eating takeaways, drinking alcohol or buying lunches.
I couldn't recommend it more highly.

MunchingCeleryAlone · 25/05/2025 18:35

Blondra · 25/05/2025 16:50

Bless you love, I could’ve written this myself!! Honestly sat here nodding along to every word.

I’ve got about the same to lose and it just feels like this massive mountain doesn’t it? I keep saying I’ll start Monday and then it’s 3 months later and I’m still living off toast and Pepsi Max.

I think your plan sounds bang on — realistic and not too much pressure. I’ve tried going all in before and it lasts about 4 days then I’m back on the biscuits. Slimfast is a good shout to get into the routine, I did it last year and it helped me feel like I was actually doing something, if that makes sense.

Also love that you’re focusing on building up slowly with the exercise — I tried doing Joe Wicks once and nearly ended up in A&E.

You’re doing the right thing and you’ve clearly thought it through properly. Keep checking in, you’ve got support here. You’ve 100% got this!!

I was like this too - please look at 'New You Plan'.
Make your "one day into DAY ONE".
I've been on New You Plan very low calorie total food replacement plan for just over 3 months and have lost just under three stones.
It's the easiest and most productive diet I've ever done.

soupyspoon · 25/05/2025 18:38

ReallyNeedToLoseWeightNow · 25/05/2025 17:59

Everything that I have read says that to lose weight and keep it off, it is best to lose no more than 1-2 pounds a week 🤷‍♀️

But isn’t that different? You were prescribed a medication because you have diabetes rather than just taking it to make you feel less hungry so you can lose weight?

I think a lot of the time when I eat junk food/snacks it is more of a boredom thing than actually being hungry so it probably wouldn’t work for me anyway if it just stops you from feeling hungry 🙈

Just a word of caution, there is also lots of research that faster weight loss is more sustainable because you're motivated by the losses and can keep it up.

Slogging away at 1lb a week over 9 stone, people usually just get bored and demotivated and give up.

soupyspoon · 25/05/2025 18:44

FortyElephants · 25/05/2025 17:50

This might work for you but for other people daily weighing is very helpful. There's no right or wrong.

Daily weighing is the one thing that has finally taught me how fluctuations work and not to be scared of them. I can easily go from 5lb more one day to the next. Imagine if you saw that one month after you last weighed, you would be convinced you had put on 5lb in the month.

Ive maintained a weight just over a year now and daily weighing is part of my maintenance.

Mumandnan53 · 25/05/2025 18:47

ReallyNeedToLoseWeightNow · 25/05/2025 17:59

Everything that I have read says that to lose weight and keep it off, it is best to lose no more than 1-2 pounds a week 🤷‍♀️

But isn’t that different? You were prescribed a medication because you have diabetes rather than just taking it to make you feel less hungry so you can lose weight?

I think a lot of the time when I eat junk food/snacks it is more of a boredom thing than actually being hungry so it probably wouldn’t work for me anyway if it just stops you from feeling hungry 🙈

Sure it’s different but it has been licensed for weight loss too now. I didn’t take it for weight loss but, because of a number of medical conditions weight loss was one of the secondary goals.

I used to eat 24/7. I’d wake up for a wee in the night and have a bag of crisps and a twix before I went back to sleep. I woke up thinking about food and went to sleep thinking about food. I’d eat from takeaway bags on the way home from the takeaway. I thought it was normal. I could eat a whole domino pizza in one sitting (large obviously).

I had a medical crisis, I spent 8 days in hospital with a ‘deranged liver’ diagnosed after with non alcoholic fatty liver disease and drug (prescribed painkillers) induced hepatitis. I had a meeting with my GP 4 weeks later and he said that Mounjaro would be the best idea to combat the diabetes, liver issues, weight and food addiction.

He started me on 7.5mg (mostly unheard of as 2.5mg is the usual starting dose). From day 1 I stopped thinking about food, stopped snacking because I just didn’t fancy anything I would usually kill for. Weight fell off. All by numbers came back in normal range and I am actually off most of my tablets now (from 12-15 every morning to 3).

Your GP can help you, unless you have other medical issues affected by your weight then he is unlikely to be able to prescribe it for you but he can advise you if he thinks it is a good idea, given the knowledge of your medical history.

Many women have insulin resistance, particularly those with PCOS for instance (next thing it will be prescribed for apparently) and they find it extremely difficult lose weight and very easy to gain it.

sorry probably got a bit carried away there!

xx

MunchingCeleryAlone · 25/05/2025 18:47

soupyspoon · 25/05/2025 18:38

Just a word of caution, there is also lots of research that faster weight loss is more sustainable because you're motivated by the losses and can keep it up.

Slogging away at 1lb a week over 9 stone, people usually just get bored and demotivated and give up.

Totally agree 👍.

I lost 8lb in my first week on New You Plan and was absolutely buzzing.
I know the initial loss is mainly water on this very low calorie total food replacement plan, but boy it motivated me and made me feel so positive about the potential of weeks 2 onwards.
Just over 3 months on plan and I have lost just under 3 stones 🏆.

TasWair · 25/05/2025 19:13

TryForSpring · 25/05/2025 15:17

I think I would have to talk to a doctor first as it seems scary to just decide to inject myself with something that may or may not work and could cause side effects 🤔

I also don't think you really, seriously want to do this. Anyone serious would have researched the hell out of Mounjaro by now.

This is a useful summary:

"Mounjaro works by mimicking natural incretin hormones, GIP and GLP-1, to regulate appetite and blood sugar. It helps reduce hunger, slow digestion, and improve insulin sensitivity, leading to weight loss and improved blood sugar control.

Here's a more detailed explanation:

Mimicking Natural Hormones:
Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, which is a dual-agonist, meaning it activates both GIP and GLP-1 receptors. These receptors are naturally involved in regulating appetite and blood sugar. 


Reducing Hunger and Slowing Digestion:
By activating these receptors, Mounjaro helps to reduce hunger, slow down the emptying of the stomach, and increase feelings of fullness, leading to reduced calorie intake. 

Improving Insulin Sensitivity:
Mounjaro can also improve insulin sensitivity, helping the body use glucose more effectively and leading to better blood sugar control. 

Potential for Weight Loss:
The combined effects of reduced hunger, slowed digestion, and improved insulin sensitivity can lead to significant weight loss. 

Individual Results Vary:
While Mounjaro can be effective, individual responses can vary, and it's essential to combine it with healthy lifestyle choices for optimal results."

This is an unkind post imo. Not everyone feels comfortable self-injecting. It's no judgment on Mounjaro, it's personal preference.

Theyreeatingthedogs · 25/05/2025 19:33

ReallyNeedToLoseWeightNow · 25/05/2025 17:54

I understand what you’re saying but surely most people don’t eat nothing but healthy food every day forever?

I definitely won’t be weighing myself daily though I would become too obsessed 😬

I agree you don't have to stick to healthy forever but you need to be quite strict in cutting out the crap to lose weight. Once you lose the weight and have retrained your palate you maybe want to continue with the healthy stuff. I was always ambivalent about salad, started to eat them, enjoyed them enormously and now really miss my daily salad if I'm saying visiting my mum for a couple of days. When on holiday in a nice hotel, I'd be happy just eating the salad bar.
I may have been a bit over enthusiastic about weighing daily but it worked for me in losing weight. If I was consistently not losing weight over 3-4 days, I knew I was consuming too many calories.

Marchintospring · 25/05/2025 19:38

@ReallyNeedToLoseWeightNow”I just don’t think I really understand it as surely you’d either have to be on it forever or you’ll just gain the weight again when you stop? “

Yes people do start eating more again. However it easier to diet knowing that you can function perfectly well on small amounts of food, when you’ve been doing it for months. Nothing bad will happen if you don’t eat for a while.

I think you’ve been really honest about what you eat and why.
The next step isn’t the diet but actually to see yourself as the woman who eats real food. That’s your big leap.
Loads of people honestly don’t eat takeaways aside from special occasions.
They are hideously expensive for one. Even a cheap burger meal is £7.50 ish - that’s a pack of chicken thighs and vegetables/ salad for 2 or 3 proper meals.

titchy · 25/05/2025 20:36

I think most people who are a healthy weight DO eat mainly heathy food yes. You need to change your mindset - now you’re thinking like a person about to embark on a diet. Which means you’ll put the weight back on again.

You need to entirely reset your eating habits - and that means thinking of yourself as someone who eats healthily and will do for the rest of your life. And that means 99% of what you eat now and forever is healthy, unprocessed and balanced.

TryForSpring · 25/05/2025 20:52

ReallyNeedToLoseWeightNow · 25/05/2025 17:42

Why do you say that? I get quite anxious about taking new medications and tend not to unless they’re prescribed by a doctor as you never know what the side effects will be 🤷‍♀️

I say that because there is plenty of decent information available about how the medication works, what injecting is like, and risk of side effects, but you seem to have done no research at all. You don’t even seem to be aware of how it is prescribed.

I am also very wary of new medications. I researched it for five months, and saw an endocrinologist privately before going ahead (which cost approximately the same as one month’s medication at the time.)

You may eventually decide it’s not for you, but to dismiss it without knowing anything about it is odd currently.

I’ve been struggling with my weight for over 20 years, I am so glad that I now have some help with it.

TryForSpring · 25/05/2025 20:57

TasWair · 25/05/2025 19:13

This is an unkind post imo. Not everyone feels comfortable self-injecting. It's no judgment on Mounjaro, it's personal preference.

You realise I just said anyone serious would have researched Mounjaro as an option?

Absolutely it’s not for everyone. But to be facing a loss of nine stone and not understand anything about a major medical development which may help you is not putting yourself in the best position.

Daffydoll · 25/05/2025 21:00

My friend went on Herbalife and has lost 3.5 stone since October last year

FortyElephants · 25/05/2025 21:24

Daffydoll · 25/05/2025 21:00

My friend went on Herbalife and has lost 3.5 stone since October last year

Herbalife is MLM shite and shouldn't be recommended to anyone with any sense

SevernWonders · 25/05/2025 22:55

ReallyNeedToLoseWeightNow · 25/05/2025 17:52

Will you have to be on it forever then?

Yes, there are so many other health benefits to it - lots of studies into coronary heart disease / sleep apnoea etc showing that GLP1s improve longevity. A study showed that GLP1s are as good as statins for heart problems, and reverse fatty liver disease.

I do wonder if in the future it will turn out that there is a vast swathe of the population who do not produce enough GLP1 naturally hence having a propensity to be obese.

AliceTheBat · 26/05/2025 04:47

ReallyNeedToLoseWeightNow · 25/05/2025 17:49

That’s true actually, I’ll have to get some low calorie options!!

I definitely need to make my portions smaller!! I will also try filling up half of my plate with vegetables so that it doesn’t feel/look like I’m having a lot less to eat 🤔

What types of things do you have for your lunches and snacks?

Pom Bears are great!! I don’t like nuts unfortunately :(

This is what I’m thinking!! I can’t just stop having junk food and fizzy drinks altogether as I’ll just end up thinking about them all the time until I give up at some point 🙈

I just don’t think I really understand it as surely you’d either have to be on it forever or you’ll just gain the weight again when you stop? I think I am going to try and lose weight the regular way and if I haven’t lost a stone by August I will go to the doctors and ask them for advice 🤔

For lunches I like salad with plenty of leaves - I try to buy nice bags of mixed ones with different textures and flavours so it's not too bland. Generally have chunks of cucumber, cherry tomatoes (again I buy the nicer varieties so they're actually enjoyable to eat) and any other veg - I really like raw broccoli chopped up fine, peppers, cress, raw mushroom, sweetcorn, sugarsnap peas - despite my size and bad habits I do really enjoy vegetables so make sure you are choosing things you will take pleasure in eating - if you force down things you don't really like I think you'll be more likely to break. For protein I'll generally add a cold boiled egg, crustless quiche (Asda do mini ones in lots of flavours that are cheap and tasty - I usually eat half with lunch) some grated cheese. If you don't want a veggie option I used to really like chopped up chicken breast (cooked the day before with bbq or fajita seasoning) or some tuna. I like a wee drop of coleslaw too, I'm just careful about how much I add (very heaped teaspoonful is enough to act as a dressing/satisfy me, whereas before I'd be ladelling it on).

If you're not keen on plain salad, there are loads of "thin" bagels/ sandwich thins etc. I try to buy the protein/wholemeal ones.

Sometimes if I think I've made too much dinner, I'll portion off some in advance and use that the following day for lunch. I find if I put too much on my plate I'll over eat whereas if I remove some before I plate up it takes the option away. I really enjoy cold, leftover stir fry and sometimes add in the gyoza you can buy from the freezer - you can have quite a few of these without too many calories.

If you're at home, an omelette is a nice lunch and you can add whatever you like - lean bacon with the fat cut off, veg, cheese etc.

Snack wise during the day I have stuck to fruit or veg and some nuts (or Pom Bears!). I bought myself some little snack pots and take two or three to work with cucumber chunks, sugarsnap peas, grapes, raspberries, tangerine segments. I really like the baby cucumbers you can buy for snacking - if this is too plain you could add hummus or low fat yoghurt/ cream cheese as a dip but I don't bother. I try to keep my chocolate for after dinner if I fancy any but if you prefer something sweet on your tea break have it then and have fruit for after dinner instead.

I think for me it has boiled down to making everything as clean as possible whilst still being enjoyable. I have a pal who eats dry rice cakes at lunch time and there's no way I could keep that up.

I've been out for dinner and had a takeaway or two as well - I've just tried to be mindful and not go overboard - choose a small portion when I might normally have a large, follow my meal with a really nice coffee instead of pudding etc. Again, going veggie has helped as I find it easier to have some vegetable pakora instead of a full blown chicken curry with all the sides.

I get half an hour for lunch and depending on my day I will sometimes use that for a walk and eat lunch as I work, or sometimes 15/20 minute walk and eat quickly when I get back. Usually if I can I will walk to the shops after work or first thing in the morning too - I find I'm more likely to do it if I have a purpose rather than just going for a random stomp. Depending on your interests you could listen to an audiobook or a podcast while you walk. I've also discovered walking tours in my local area where you follow and listen via an app on your phone and you get a wee history lesson on the route.

Where I am, GPs can't prescribe Mounjaro - you do need to buy it privately however I think it's worth speaking to a GP or even a pharmacist of you're nervous about it. At the moment, everyone I know who uses it has had success but I'd follow some of the advice here and do your research first.

Sorry, I feel like my posts are quite long but I know how it feels to have a lot of weight to lose and these things are what's really helped without me feeling miserable and joyless.

ReallyNeedToLoseWeightNow · 01/06/2025 11:05

I am properly starting today (meal plan done) and I’ve saved some exercise videos to a YouTube playlist which I am going to try and do every day or every 2 days (they’re not long videos as I’m trying to be realistic with starting slow) 🤔

I had a few days of Slimfast this week and I have lost a pound so I’m hopeful that this next week will go even better as I now know what meals I will be eating 🤞

OP posts:
AliceTheBat · 01/06/2025 12:22

Well done you! My willpower was tested this week by a buffet. I had a little bit of everything I fancied but didnt go back for seconds.

What sort of meals have you got planned?

MunchingCeleryAlone · 01/06/2025 14:34

ReallyNeedToLoseWeightNow · 01/06/2025 11:05

I am properly starting today (meal plan done) and I’ve saved some exercise videos to a YouTube playlist which I am going to try and do every day or every 2 days (they’re not long videos as I’m trying to be realistic with starting slow) 🤔

I had a few days of Slimfast this week and I have lost a pound so I’m hopeful that this next week will go even better as I now know what meals I will be eating 🤞

Congratulations on the positive mindset, loss and plans for more activities 🏆.
You can do this - Go girl 💪.
Keep us updated on your progress and meal plans. X

ReallyNeedToLoseWeightNow · 02/06/2025 11:17

AliceTheBat · 01/06/2025 12:22

Well done you! My willpower was tested this week by a buffet. I had a little bit of everything I fancied but didnt go back for seconds.

What sort of meals have you got planned?

Buffets may be my favourite food/meal 🙈😂

We've ordered a Gousto box with pan fried basa in tomato sauce with roast potatoes, chicken fajitas, posh hotdogs with chips, spaghetti bolognaise and peri peri tofu burgers in the hopes that having everything pre-portioned will help!! We had Shepard's pie last night and we will be starting the Gousto meals tonight 😊

OP posts:
Bowling4soup · 02/06/2025 11:23

I have a similar amount to lose, more in fact. I went through my gp and was referred to tier 3 weight loss program which I have just started to I get the injections on nhs (wegovy) plus support from a coach . I had to do tier 2 last year which was 12 online sessions learning about healthy eating etc.

I would definitely recommend asking your gp about a referral. I’ve only just started my jabs but I’m really hoping this will be it for me to get rid of the weight finally

NormasArse · 02/06/2025 11:25

Nowthereistwo · 25/05/2025 13:54

Honestly I went on Mounjaro and would 100% recommend if you can afford it.

I've stayed on 5mg and lost 3 stone in 4 months. Another 2 to go to - but it feels achievable.

But it doesn't magically burn calories, so you need to change your diet and exercise. People who don't are in serious danger of putting all the weight back on as they haven't changed the bad habits that got them there in the first place.

So how does it work?

If you changed your lifestyle to eat well and exercise, surely you’d lose the weight regardless?

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