Latest news with #weightloss
Telegraph
2 hours ago
- Health
- Telegraph
‘I convinced my family to go on an intense diet. We lost 10st between us'
Christine Shead, 60, her husband John, 65, and their daughter Emily, 25, live in Fleet, Hampshire. Christine and John are retired, whilst Emily works in law. Christine's story 13st 8lbs to 10st (3st 8lbs weight loss) We knew something needed to change. I was 57 – the same age my father was when he had colitis which led to deadly bowel cancer – and over 13.5st. John, my husband, was over 16st and my daughter, Emily, was almost 13st with severe endometriosis. She was devastated by the diagnosis. At 21, she underwent a laparoscopy (keyhole surgery) and was told by doctors that she had just two options to live pain-free: a lifetime of opioids, or sacrificing her career as a lawyer to work part-time. It was terrible seeing her suffer, and I realised our family's health was in jeopardy. John had retired early so we could enjoy those extra years together, yet we were all overweight and eating our way to illness. I didn't regularly work out and John was a runner, but this hadn't helped him to lose weight and mainly killed his knees. Emily's diagnosis finally gave me the motivation I needed to do something about it. We were a family of carbohydrate lovers. Spaghetti bolognese and chilli con carne were our staple meals. Before John retired, he was often away on business trips and ate almost exclusively at airport lounges and corporate lunches, filling his boots with English breakfast foods and French delicacies like cheese and pastries. In the evening, we'd sit in front of the TV mindlessly eating crisps and chocolate. I never prepared meals in advance, so if the fridge was bare, we'd always opt for a takeaway. Breakfast didn't used to exist for me – I'd always have a couple of sugary lattes and a packet of crisps in the morning, before eating a ham or cheese sandwich for lunch. Everything changed when I discovered the Human Being Diet (HBD). I'd be lying if I said it was easy from the start, however the results are absolutely worth the effort. It's a lifestyle overhaul. During a three-month period we completely re-educated ourselves on nutrition, swapping our spaghetti bolognaise, sugary lattes, and white bread sandwiches for spiralised courgettes and cauliflower rice. John and I began the diet in the summer, three years ago. His son was getting married that Christmas, so my goal was to shed 2st, and John, 2.5st, by then. Emily was initially sceptical, and I didn't want to force her into anything, but once she saw the weight dropping off John and I, she began the diet. I'd read about other women with endometriosis going on the HBD and how it had dramatically improved their symptoms. So I hoped this would be the case for Emily. In the first 16 days, I dropped over a stone and John lost almost 20 pounds. Once I put my mind to something, I'm incredibly dedicated and, although John initially found it harder, he completely committed too, and we helped each other through the difficult moments. The first two weeks are so crucial as you cleanse your body in preparation for the diet. For the first two days, we took Epsom salts and only ate vegetables. Then, for the next two weeks, we reintroduced fresh protein sources, and an apple a day, whilst oils, gluten, grains, and sugars were all off the menu. The aim is to retrain the liver to burn fat instead of sugar, whilst discovering which foods don't agree with you. Each day, we ate three meals with a five-hour fast between each. We tended to eat vegetable omelettes or fritters with carrot and courgette for breakfast, and salads for lunch and dinner, with fresh protein like chicken or fish. With so much off the menu, we became more creative with our food and experimented with different vegetables, proteins, herbs, and spices. Next came 'the burn phase', which lasted for 10 weeks. During this time, we were retraining our bodies, and the biggest difference was the introduction of a weekly treat meal, plus black tea or coffee which had to be be drunk with food. The treat meal was incredibly motivating – it was something to look forward to after a week of no-nonsense dieting. We tended to have ours on a Saturday and would make the most of going out to a nice place, having a glass of wine, enjoying the food and spending time together. Within three months, John and I had already exceeded our goal weights. I had dropped 50 pounds and John had dropped 55. Our neighbour was so impressed when she saw us that month, and demanded to know how we had done it. Now her, her husband, and his family are all doing the diet too! During the menopause, I'd lost all my confidence and felt fat and frumpy. Clothes were a means to disguise myself. But at my stepson's wedding that Christmas, I felt better about myself than I had in years. I started to enjoy feeling glamorous, and whilst I used to squeeze into a size 14, now I'm a comfortable size 10. Both John and I have a much healthier blood pressure and resting heart rate, and less aches and pains, too. It's only after you lose weight that you realise how much pressure you had been putting on your body. We haven't needed to go to the GP once since the weight loss, and I honestly don't think I've felt this fit since I left school. After retraining our bodies over the course of the diet, we've found it easy to continue eating healthily and nutritiously. We don't even think about traditional carbohydrates, like pasta or rice any more. Our meals now closely resemble the Mediterranean diet – we eat lots of fresh meats and fish, salads, extra virgin olive oil, and grains. In the early days of the diet, we didn't exercise purely because we weren't eating enough calories to safely do so. But now, John and I both love strength training and I also do Pilates and yoga at my local fitness centre. Before losing the weight, I would've been too embarrassed to even enter a gym, but now I enjoy strengthening my muscles – which is vital as we get older. Emily is now 25 and, as well as losing over two stone, her endometriosis symptoms including irregular periods, recurrent UTIs, and flare-ups, have dramatically improved. In fact, changing the way we eat has been life-changing for us all. In March, we visited my stepson in Australia and convinced him to try the diet too. Now, we all have a WhatsApp group chat where we share recipes and plans. It's brought us all together in an unexpected way. Emily's story 12st 11lbs to 10st 7lbs (2st 4lbs weight loss) Throughout my teenage years, my periods were so painful that I'd spend days bed-bound. My dad was concerned I'd never be able to sustain a full-time job because I was taking one or two sick days each month. At the age of 21, after years of back and forth between doctors and health professionals, I was diagnosed with endometriosis. That year, my parents and I went on holiday to France and, whilst we were all eating and drinking to our heart's content, I distinctly remember how uncomfortable we all felt. Our clothes didn't fit, and I hated how I looked in every photograph. I'd put on a lot of weight and, in doing so, was worsening my endometriosis symptoms. When my mum first told me about the Human Being Diet, I was sceptical. Whilst she likes holistic health remedies, I'm more scientifically-minded. However, when I saw how quickly my parents were both losing weight, I decided it was worth a try. My dad and I initially struggled with the diet. I would say my dad is a sugar addict, so cutting out the sweet treats was hard for him. The meal-prepping and scheduled fasting was challenging for me because I was trying to balance it alongside working full-time at law school, and having some semblance of a social life. My friends were so supportive though, and always made sure to order me a soda in their rounds of pub pints. The diet has been life-changing for us. I never used to have the energy to exercise, but now love going to the gym. My mum used to have bad back problems which have significantly eased, and we've all dropped at least two clothes sizes. I used to get by on packets of tortellini, breaded chicken, and white bread, and now I've ditched the booze, cut out a lot of gluten and dairy, and opt for fresh home-cooked meals instead. John's story 16st 9lbs to 12st 10lbs (3st 9lbs weight loss) I've always loved a pint and had a real sweet tooth. I was used to being around 16.5st and feeling slightly uncomfortable in my clothes. However, I really wanted to support Christine and, with my son's wedding coming up, I was aware that I needed to shed some weight to look and feel good on the day. Once Christine puts her mind to something, she fully commits to it. I'm more prone to drifting off. But I wanted this to work, so we got rid of our bags of rice and spaghetti, and began planning our meals around protein and vegetables. It was difficult, but the effects were unexpected and better than we could've imagined. Now, my weight remains around the 13st mark and, even though I do fall off the wagon now and again, I've got the skills and confidence to get back on track. Gone are the days of cooked English breakfasts at Heathrow Airport, and courses of cheese during business trips in Paris. Our meals are far more regimented, and we plan for the week which has actually made life much easier for Christine and I – whether we're batch-cooking soup or making 'rice' from a cauliflower. Years ago, I used to love running and competed in half-marathons on a regular basis. It didn't do anything for my weight though and, after sustaining an injury during a badminton match, it was difficult for me to continue running, so I gave it up. Now, I enjoy keeping fit using the rowing machines and bikes at the gym. Christine and I love a dog walk and, along with Emily, we're making the most of exploring new places, and enjoying the active retirement we always dreamed of. The family's diet before Breakfast: A bowl of cereal with a couple of sugary lattes Morning snack: A packet of crisps or crackers and cheese Lunch: Homemade sandwich with ham or cheese Dinner: A large portion of rice or pasta with vegetables and processed meat Alcohol: Wine for special occasions/ meals with friends The family's diet now Breakfast: Fruit and yogurt with homemade granola and seeds Dinner: Fresh white fish with an avocado salad Snacks: An apple a day Alcohol: Drunk rarely The family's exercise regime before Christine and Emily did not exercise John was a runner The family's exercise regime after Christine does strength training, Zumba, Pilates, and yoga at the local fitness centre John does strength training, cycling, and rowing at the local fitness centre Emily does strength training at the gym The family's three top tips 1. Always have a goal. It can change over time, but always have one in place 2. Think seriously about why you're embarking on this journey. Write it down at the start to look back on during the difficult moments 3. Be kind to yourself. No journey is ever linear – we can all have a good day, then a shockingly bad day, but the important thing is to never give up
News.com.au
3 hours ago
- Health
- News.com.au
Lizzo admits she tried Ozempic
The Good as Hell singer, who has been documenting her weight-loss journey on social media since 2023, revealed she had briefly dabbled with the GLP-1 agonist medication before deciding it was not for her. 'I tried everything," Lizzo, 37, told influencer Trisha Paytas on her Just Trish podcast. 'Ozempic works because you eat less food, yeah? So if you eat right, it makes you feel full. But if you can just do that on your own and get mind over matter, it's the same thing."
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Travis Kelce Reveals Secret Behind Weight Loss While Taylor Swift ‘Motivates' Him
Travis Kelce recently opened up about his weight loss journey during a press conference. Previously, the NFL player had admitted to putting on some pounds ahead of the 2024-25 season. Earlier this week, he confessed that he has shed some weight and is all set to make a comeback for the forthcoming season. Additionally, his girlfriend, Taylor Swift, has played a major role in motivating him during the NFL offseason. Travis Kelce reveals running helped him shed some pounds ahead of NFL season Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift's romance has often made headlines for many reasons. Along with enjoying their dating life, the Kansas City Chiefs tight end has also been training hard ahead of the upcoming NFL season. A few reports about the player losing 25 pounds during the NFL offseason had made headlines a while ago. Advertisement In a recent press conference, a reporter questioned Travis Kelce about his weight loss. The athlete chuckled and requested the attendees not to believe everything 'on the internet.' He mentioned that he had 'never told anybody' about losing 25 pounds. Furthermore, Swift's beau admitted that he has shed 'some weight from the end of the season last year.' 'This year, I got some time to really focus on some form running and some things early on in the offseason that I just didn't have time for last year,' the Chiefs tight end added. Meanwhile, the NFL star's friend Pat McAfee highlighted the singer's influence in Travis Kelce's efforts to rebuild himself during the offseason. In an episode of 'The Pat McAfee Show,' the host stated, 'I think they continue to inspire each other, I think they continue to motivate each other. I think they continue to be great for each other.' Apparently, the pop star's motivation is said to help her boyfriend's game in the upcoming season. She even stayed in Florida, where Kelce was training, to inspire him. The couple was also spotted spending some quality time there as they were photographed on a date night. The post Travis Kelce Reveals Secret Behind Weight Loss While Taylor Swift 'Motivates' Him appeared first on Reality Tea.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
They lost weight on GLP-1s. Now they're shopping for swimsuits.
Capri Taylor was perusing her local Ross Dress for Less, flicking through the racks in search of some clothes. As she made her way down the aisle, Taylor stumbled upon the swimsuit section. For most of her adult life, she would've skipped past the swimsuits or dreaded trying them on. But this time, she spotted a particularly cute two-piece. 'I decided to just go for it,' Taylor tells Yahoo Life. 'I was so excited that the first thing I did when I got home was to try it on, and I snapped a picture to send to my best friend, like, look!' says Taylor. Up until then, Taylor, 31, didn't consider a two-piece swimsuit an option. Before starting a GLP-1 weight loss medication last year, she weighed 198 pounds, was prediabetic and just wasn't comfortable in her own skin. 'I've always been self-conscious and envious of girlies who can carry the weight and feel confident in whatever they wear,' she says. 'I just never got to that point' before losing weight. Now, having lost more than 60 pounds, Taylor is discovering a new side of herself: a version that loves a brightly colored, geometric-patterned two-piece. 'Being a mom, I always felt like I had to put myself in a box when it came to swimsuit shopping,' she says. 'Losing the weight has made me feel so much more confident stepping out to find something that I feel good in.' Taylor still loves a good one-piece suit, but she's enjoying a sexier, slightly more bare look. Bikinis can be a fraught purchase for many women, but especially so for those like Taylor — who hadn't worn one in years — whose bodies have gone through dramatic changes. Still, daring to bare more isn't simply a result of 'being skinny,' she says. 'It's about the first time I've felt confident in my body.' What is swimsuit shopping like on a GLP-1? Here's what women taking the medication say about their recent forays into triangle tops, tankinis, cheetah prints and more. Haley Sipes, 31, hadn't worn a two-piece swimsuit since high school. But after losing 100 pounds with the help of a GLP-1, the mom wanted to branch out. So, she set up her phone to film a 'haul' of several two-piece suits she'd recently bought to try on her new figure. In the video, she gives a detailed, upbeat review of each suit, from most to least modest. Behind the scenes, 'I wanted to throw up,' Sipes tells Yahoo Life. She had her husband in the room for moral support. 'Between each swimsuit, I was like, 'Tell me I look OK, tell me I'm not crazy,'' she says. When Sipes posted the video ('I figured, if I show this to 70,000 [followers], it'll be way easier to wear it out in public, because that's more people than are in my whole town,' she says.), she was amazed and surprised by the outpouring of positive comments. Sipes recognizes now that how she sees herself isn't always the way that others see her. 'I really do deal with some body dysmorphia,' she says. 'It's like my brain can't catch up with my body.' It's a common refrain among people who have taken GLP-1 medications. While body dysmorphia is often discussed in the context of disordered eating, it's also a common part of any drastic body change. Some people who have lost weight may feel a kind of discomfort in their new shape, or still see a former version of themselves in the mirror. And, even when Sipes sees how far she's come on her journey toward better health, she can still spot areas that make her feel self-conscious. 'There are definitely some hard transitions involved in weight loss, when you have this new body that you're trying to dress,' she says. 'I do have quite a bit of loose skin in my stomach area, but I think that everybody has their insecurities.' Perhaps, Sipes adds, 'that's just from growing up seeing tiny, unrealistic models with flat stomachs and thinking that anything that isn't that doesn't fit the definition of beauty.' And she's learned that she's not alone in her battle for self-love. Sipes recently had plans to go to the pool with a friend who she's always seen as 'the epitome of what I'd like to look like,' she says. When Sipes hinted at her nervousness to be next to the friend, 'she stopped me and was like, 'I'm insecure in a bathing suit too,'' says Sipes. 'It really helped more than I ever would've expected. We healed together, and we're both going to wear these bathing suits.' Her own body, Sipes has realized, is like that of many women in their 30s who have had kids. She wants to celebrate it rather than hide it, and shared her swimsuit haul online in part because she hasn't seen enough bodies like her own online. She also went on a mission to find a swimsuit with some 'tummy control' that would be flattering without making her feel like she was wearing Spanx. And she did! The winners? An Old Navy swim dress (a more modest option, for when she's on mom duty and needs to be able to run after a toddler) and a vibrant color-blocked two-piece from Pink Lily, plus a swim skirt she found on Amazon, which she ties over her two-pieces to help her ease into a more revealing look. She still hears that nagging little voice questioning whether the suit looks OK here or there, 'but this time it was a lot better because I worked really hard for the body I'm in,' she says. 'Being able to see my body as progress instead of a project was really healing.' This summer, 29-year-old Mercedes Groves is stepping out in triangle bikinis and cheetah-print two-pieces. 'I really just wanted to be brave,' she tells Yahoo Life of wearing swimsuits that she once might have been too self-conscious to try. 'This is the first time in my life that I've felt comfortable enough to be brave. So I really wanted to take this step.' Now that she's lost 80 pounds with the help of semaglutide, Groves is no longer limiting her style choices based on what will hide the parts of her body that made her feel self-conscious. 'To be able to fit my body and dress it how I always wanted it to look has been a whole experience in and of itself,' she says. On social media, she gives the occasional smoldering look when modeling her new outfits. But in conversation, Groves has an infectious giggle, and her sunny disposition shines through. 'I was always the fat funny friend,' she says with a laugh. 'It's a real thing, I was always friends with everybody, but it's not like you were desired.' Groves makes sure her young son understands that the change in her body is about getting healthy, not about how she looks. But she's acutely aware of how others look at her. Groves says it's exciting to lose weight and feel more desired, but 'it's a double-edged sword.' Like Sipes and Taylor, Groves has many changes to get used to, from her clothing size fluctuations to loose or sagging skin in some places. And while the attention can be nice, 'it's been kind of wild to be in a different body but with the same people around you and have them be different toward you,' she says. 'You can tell when someone gives you the up-and-down [look].' She adds that 'it kind of messes with your head a little bit' when others suddenly act kinder than they did before. You just get treated differently when you're healthy and — [I] don't wanna say 'thin,' but it's true. I've felt both sides of that.' Groves, who owns a nail salon, copes with that double-edged sword by focusing less on the appearance of the person she sees in the mirror and more on what she represents. When she's feeling insecure or worried about how some part of her body might look in a swimsuit, 'I think about how hard I worked, and remind myself: It's hot mom summer,' she says. 'All these moms out here in these bikinis, and we don't give a rip!' Want to share your weight loss medication story for our 'On My Weigh' series?Email heylifeeditors@
The Sun
3 hours ago
- Health
- The Sun
The hidden dangers of Ozempic-like fat jabs in hot weather – and ‘double whammy' side effect that can prove fatal
WEIGHT loss jabs have been hailed for their rapid and drastic results, particularly for those who've tried and failed time and again on 'fad diets'. But like all medicines, the jabs don't come without risk of side effects - one of which could rear its ugly head in this glorious weather. 5 5 5 For the 1.5 million people in the UK estimated to now be using weight loss injections - primarily through online providers - doctors have warned extra caution needs to be taken during hot weather. The Met Office predicts that a heatwave is looking likely this weekend - with temperatures exceeding 30C in parts of the UK. While many Brits will be looking forward to basking in the scorching heat, patients taking weight loss jabs risk dehydration. Dehydration can lead to a range of health risks, from mild discomfort to serious complications, such as heatstroke, urinary and kidney problems, seizures, and low blood volume shock. If severe and left untreated, dehydration can even lead to death. Professor Franklin Joseph, consultant physician and head of Dr Frank's Weight Loss Clinic, tells Sun Health: "Weight loss injections don't just suppress your appetite - they also blunt your thirst. 'People forget to drink because they don't feel hungry or thirsty. But your body still needs fluid - and when you're eating less, you're also getting less hydration from food. It's a double whammy. "If you're not replacing that fluid, it can creep into mild dehydration quickly - especially in hot weather or during exercise.' Dr Suzanne Wylie, GP and medical adviser for IQdoctor, adds: "The common side effects associated with these medications, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea, can also lead to a significant loss of fluids." Hot weather exacerbates the dehydration, warns Prof Joseph. Weight Loss Jabs - Pros vs Cons He says: 'When it's hot, you're sweating more - but if the jab is dulling your thirst, you don't feel the urge to replace what you've lost. 'That's when the danger kicks in - headaches, dizziness, low blood pressure, even fainting. 'Your body can't cool itself properly, and things can go downhill fast. "Heat makes dehydration risks ten times worse. It's even more important to stay on top of fluids during summer if you're using weight loss medication.' In the hot weather, certain groups are at greater risk of dehydration, including older adults, babies and young children, people with chronic illness (like heart or kidney problems), those on certain medications, and individuals who are physically active in the heat. In addition to heat stroke and kidney problems, dehydration can contribute to the development of gallstones by reducing bile flow and concentrating bile in the gall bladder. Dr Crystal Wyllie at Asda Online Doctor explains: "Gallstones are an uncommon side effect of weight loss medication and are associated with rapid weight loss, being dehydrated can increase the risks of developing gallstones, so it's important that you remain adequately hydrated." Other health risks to watch out for... 5 If you're eating less, drinking less, and sweating more, your body can hit empty, warned Prof Joseph. "Add in heat and you're asking for trouble - fatigue, cramps or even passing out," he added. George Sandhu, Deputy Superintendent at Well Pharmacy, warned even mild dehydration can negatively impact your energy levels. He said: "This can have a knock on effect on your ability to do physical activity and your overall well being, not to mention have a negative effect on your weight loss efforts." Some weight loss medications can also cause photosensitivity, he warned, increasing the risk of sunburn and skin damage. He cautioned: "It's important to be fully aware of the potential side effects of taking any medication, including weight loss drugs." What are the other side effects of weight loss jabs? Like any medication, weight loss jabs can have side effects. Common side effects of injections such as Ozempic include: Nausea: This is the most commonly reported side effect, especially when first starting the medication. It often decreases over time as your body adjusts. Vomiting: Can occur, often in conjunction with nausea. Diarrhea: Some people experience gastrointestinal upset. Constipation: Some individuals may also experience constipation. Stomach pain or discomfort: Some people may experience abdominal pain or discomfort. Reduced appetite: This is often a desired effect for people using Ozempic for weight loss. Indigestion: Can cause a feeling of bloating or discomfort after eating. Serious side effects can also include: Pancreatitis: In rare cases, Ozempic may increase the risk of inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis, which can cause severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Kidney problems: There have been reports of kidney issues, including kidney failure, though this is uncommon. Thyroid tumors: There's a potential increased risk of thyroid cancer, although this risk is based on animal studies. It is not confirmed in humans, but people with a history of thyroid cancer should avoid Ozempic. Vision problems: Rapid changes in blood sugar levels may affect vision, and some people have reported blurry vision when taking Ozempic. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): Especially if used with other medications like sulfonylureas or insulin. 5 How to stay safe For those using weight loss jabs, Dr Wylie says it's imperative to make sure you're drinking enough water. She explains: "It's important to drink more water than usual when taking weight-loss medication. "Adults should aim for around two to three litres per day. This can include plain water, squash, herbal teas, or other low-sugar drinks. "Staying hydrated helps your body manage the side effects and supports your overall health during weight loss treatments." Prof Joseph adds: "Don't wait until you're thirsty - by then, you're already behind. Carry a big bottle with you everywhere, set reminders, and sip little and often. 'You need to hydrate slowly and consistently through the day, not chug a bottle all at once. Your body absorbs water better that way and it helps avoid energy crashes or headaches linked to dehydration. "I recommend adding electrolytes once a day - especially in hot weather or if you're on a lower calorie diet. "They help your body hold onto the water and replace lost minerals. And try not to rely on tea or coffee - they can be dehydrating too.' And looking out for signs of dehydration is also important. Dr Wylie advises: "Check your urine. It should be a pale yellow colour and darker urine may be a sign you need more fluids."
