Mum hits back at people who call her ‘lazy’ for using weight loss jab – going from size 18 to 12

A mum has revealed her weight loss journey using a jab – saying people call her “lazy” for not choosing a natural approach.

Emma Lasenby, 36, used to spend her mornings in tears after looking at herself in the mirror.

The mum-of-two, from Kent, found herself making up excuses not to leave the house or see friends and also struggled to keep up with her two kids (not named for privacy reasons), aged four and eight, due to her weight.

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It wasn’t until she saw a photo from her brother’s wedding that she knew something had to change. She began researching weight loss jabs.

Now, in less than a year, she’s lost over four stone.

But with one in 10 women in the UK currently using weight loss medications, Emma is part of the 38% who feel users are treated “differently” than those who opt for a more natural method.

“There is so much judgement about people’s weight and size – and then again about people doing something about it,” the NHS infant feeding worker told What’s The Jam.

“I had been quite selective with who I told about using this medication, but I had already heard so many people talking about those who use it, such as myself, as lazy.

“Or that the weight loss doesn’t count, as it wasn’t done through exercise.

“Using weight loss medication is another tool to aid the process – it’s not a magic wand – but it does give people time and space to reset habits and replace those unhealthy relationships we have with food.

“I felt so confident and comfortable in what I had worn for my brother’s wedding, but when I saw the photo, I was shocked.

“In reality, I looked entirely different.

“We were due to go on holiday later that year, and I was a bridesmaid.

“I refused to look or feel the same as I did that day.

“I’d tried so many diets and exercise programmes that only kept the weight off in the short term – I needed a sustainable way to lose weight.”

Emma had been trying to lose weight since she was a young adult, but this took a back seat after giving birth to her second child.

At her heaviest, she weighed over 14 stone, and her self-esteem suffered.

She said: “I didn’t feel confident or accepted at my size.

“I learned to dress a certain way to hide my body and lost my sense of style – I worried about how I would feel and how others would see me.

“Compliments always seemed to have a caveat.

“I didn’t have the energy to keep up with my children. I was tired, had aches, and lacked energy.”

She had tried various diets before, such as Slimming World, restricting food intake, and following ‘gruelling’ exercise routines – all of which only worked in the short term.

A lover of food, it was always on her mind, and she’d often grab whatever was available, without considering its nutritional value.

Fed up with repeated failures, Emma researched and came across Mounjaro.

The self-injectable medication, primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes, has also been adopted for weight loss purposes.

Emma accessed the medication through Juniper after checking her eligibility and discussing a plan with a prescriber.

A starting dose can begin at £180, increasing depending on dosage adjustments.

She said: “Before, when I lost weight, it quickly crept back on faster than it came off whenever I stopped dieting or exercising.

“Now, I’m more confident, wear what I like, and feel like I’ve got my own style again.

“I’m more energised and willing to do more things.”

Currently, she weighs 10 stone and has dropped from a UK dress size 18 to 12.

She said: “I now understand how to balance my nutrition throughout the day and the importance of fuelling my body regularly.

“I make use of protein shakes, and lunch is something simple – balanced, with a focus on protein – rather than eating large portions for the sake of it.

“For dinner, we use a subscription service, which has been great for finding new recipes.

“I’ve never felt that ‘buzz’ after a workout, so this time, I’m integrating exercise into my daily life.

“Getting out with the kids, multiple trips up and down the stairs – anything to keep moving.”

Emma is now on a maintenance dose of Mounjaro as she approaches her target weight.

For her, though, it’s not about getting as small as possible – but finding the point where she feels happy and where her weight no longer impacts her daily life.

She hopes sharing her story will encourage others to consider weight loss medication if they feel it’s the right choice – but emphasises the importance of doing thorough research first.

Emma added: “Decide what you want.

“No weight loss will stick if you aren’t willing to change your habits.

“I knew nothing about weight loss medication at first, but after seeing an advert, I thought it was worth looking into.

“I had no contraindications aside from being mindful of the side effects – but I decided it was worth a go.

“Now, I no longer worry about what people think of my appearance – they’ll always judge regardless – but what truly matters is my acceptance of how I look and feel.

“And that’s been a massive shift.”

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