STRUGGLING to keep up with her two young children and dreading her own reflection in the mirror, Emma Lasenby knew something had to change. The 36-year-old mum-of-two from Kent found herself making excuses to avoid leaving the house or meeting friends, her confidence crushed by her weight. But it wasn’t until she saw a photo of herself at her brother’s wedding that the turning point came. Determined to take action, Emma decided to try weight loss jabs - a choice that has sparked both praise and criticism.

In less than a year, she shed over four stone and transformed her life. Yet her journey hasn’t been without its challenges. With one in 10 women in the UK now using weight loss medications, Emma is part of the 38% who feel they face judgement for opting for a medical solution rather than a more “natural” approach. “I’ve been called lazy,” Emma admits. “But people don’t see the struggles behind the scenes.”.

For Emma, the decision to use weight loss jabs wasn’t about taking an easy way out – it was about reclaiming her life and her confidence. “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 programs 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 went to the back of her mind after giving birth to her second child. I’ve never felt that ‘buzz’ after a workout, so this time, I’m building exercise into my routine and everyday tasks. At her heaviest, she weighed over 14st and her self-esteem took a huge toll. 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 and the way I liked to dress, as I worried about how it would make me feel – and how others would see me. “Compliments always seemed to have a caveat. “And didn’t have the energy to keep up with my children; I would be tired, have aches and a lack of energy.”. She had tried various diets before, such as Slimming World, restricting her food intake and doing “gruelling” exercise routines, all which only worked in the short-term.

A lover of food, it was always on her mind and she’d often grab whatever, whenever, without a thought about how nutritional it was. Emma, who was “fed up” with nothing working, did her research and came across Mounjaro. The self-injectable medication is primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes, but more recently, for weight loss purposes. Getting out with the kids, multiple trips up and down the stairs or anything else where I can get moving.

Emma accessed the medication through Juniper after checking her eligibility and discussing a plan with a prescriber. A starting dose can begin at £180 and then go up depending on increases in dosage. She said: “Before, when I had lost weight, it quickly crept back on faster than it came off whenever I stopped with the diet or exercising. Now I’m more confident, wear what I like and feel like I’ve got my new, own style.

“I’m more energised and willing to do more things.”. Currently, she weighs 10st and has gone from a UK dress size 18 to 12. She said: “I know how to balance my nutrition throughout the day and the importance of eating, as well as fuelling my body regularly. “I make use of protein shakes, and lunch is something simple – balanced, with a focus on protein – and not eating loads of food for the sake of it.

“For dinner, we have 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 building exercise into my routine and everyday tasks. I had no contradictions, beside being mindful of the side effects, but I thought it was at least worth a go. “Getting out with the kids, multiple trips up and down the stairs or anything else where I can get moving.”.

Emma is now on a maintenance dose of Mounjaro as she’s closer to her target weight goal. For her, though, it’s not about getting to the smallest she can, but more about finding the point in which she feels happy to stop – and when her weight and size doesn’t impact her daily life. She hopes sharing her story will encourage people to use weight loss medication if they feel it is right for them; but says it’s important to do your research first.