A DETERMINED mum has revealed she shed 4st naturally while pregnant – before going on to lose another 6st with weight loss jabs.
Kirsty Anderson was “terrified” of causing her baby health issues after being diagnosed with gestational diabetes during her third pregnancy.
3
3
Weighing 21st and with a BMI of 46, the 31-year-old was told that she would develop type 2 diabetes if she didn’t make serious lifestyle changes – and fast.
Kirsty, a stay-at-home mum from Stirling, Scotland, said. “Even when we were going through fertility treatment and having our babies – which should have been such a happy time – I didn’t feel like myself.
“Having gestational diabetes changed my outlook on everything.
“I didn’t want to be having to take insulin for the rest of my life.
“I was also terrified of causing my baby to have lifelong issues with sugar just due to my eating habits whilst pregnant, so I took this very seriously and really changed my whole lifestyle.”
From cleaning up her diet, Kirsty was able to shed 4st while still pregnant with her daughter – which “shocked” the mum.
But by the time the baby was three months old, she could feel the weight creeping back on again, with old habits dying hard.
Kirsty, who has struggled with her weight for years, said: “There’s never been a time when I wasn’t obese.
“Slimming World, Herbalife, fasting – you name it, I had tried everything.
“They [the diets] didn’t work.
“Everything just wasn’t sustainable long-term, so whilst I got quick instant results, there would be no way I could continue with the diets and maintain a healthy weight afterwards.”
Having polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Kirsty’s insulin resistance and androgen levels were raised, and she was forced to take insulin twice a day to try and manage her symptoms.
At her wits end, Kirsty was determined to get healthy once and for all, for the sake of her three daughters – aged nine, five and eight months.
She decided to try weight loss medication Mounjaro, using healthcare provider Voy, and has gone on to lose a further 6st in five months.
Kirsty said: “Mounjaro has changed everything for me.
“I am now a healthy size 12 and for the first time in my adult life have a healthy BMI.
3
“I go to the gym three times a week and love it because I can finally feel confident about being in there and actually noticing huge progress.
“I always loved the gym, but due to never getting my eating habits under control, my weight was just spiralling.
“Looking back, my eating habits were the real problem.
“With Mounjaro, I have learned what I can and can’t eat and how much I need.
“I stayed on the lowest dose for the first three months of my journey to try and ensure I wasn’t relying on the medicine for cravings control, which I am definitely not now.”
Kirsty, who didn’t experience any side effects from the drug, now weighs 11st 11lbs and fits comfortably into a size 12 – having previously worn a size 22.
She added: “I can walk into a regular clothes shop now and actually find something that fits.
What are the 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
“No more hunting for XXXL or squeezing into Primark leggings.
“It’s such a small thing, but it means the world.
“My engagement ring used to be a size 22 and now it doesn’t even stay on – that says it all, really.”
As well as a change in her appearance, Kirsty’s energy levels have also seen a huge boost.
She said: “My eldest is into dancing and now I’m the mum jumping up and down, cheering her on.
“Whilst everyone is different and reacts differently to things, I feel for anyone who Mounjaro is safe to use and they are having trouble losing and maintaining their weight loss should absolutely give it a go.
“You won’t know until you try.”
