I was eating the same portions as my 6ft 3 inch husband. Your jab life unfiltered

Anna-Louise Dearden | Last update: 1st November 2025

Why did you decide to start slimming jabs – and what was your turning point?

(We love a lightbulb moment – big or small.)

It’s an interesting term – slimming jabs – it’s not just about being slim. Yes, I wanted to lose weight as I was at the heaviest I have ever been in my life; however, it was when the doctor put me on statins for high cholesterol and I was told that I had borderline chronic kidney disease (CKD), that I decided something needed to change. I was steadily gaining more and more weight, was post-menopausal and nothing I did was working. I felt fat, unhealthy and definitely unsexy. I no longer felt like me and I wanted to get a bit of my old spark back. I am not looking to turn back time but I was most interested in being the best version of myself right now.

What surprised you most when you started?

(Be honest. We’ve heard everything from burping air to crying over chips.)

Well, I was surprised that the injection didn’t hurt! I had a few episodes where I got shaky if I didn’t eat at the right time but other than that, little to no side effects; but that was not what surprised me the most.

What actually surprised me the most was while chatting to a friend/colleague, I mentioned that I had started the jabs. She owns a clinic doing botox, other facial injections and IV therapy.

She looked at me, turned up her nose with a harrumph and walked off.  I was so shocked, I left her clinic and didn’t go back for five months!

I am not ashamed of my decision to go on the jabs. I did it for my health and I don’t feel the need to explain myself to people. It’s just a shame that some people feel they have the right to judge others but hey-ho, that’s on them. I’m happy.

What’s your jab routine like now – pen, time, tricks?

(Do you set an alarm, use a Post-it, or just wing it?)

On the day of my injection, I just do it after I’ve had my shower. It’s pretty straight forward.

Who has been the most supportive person in your WLD journey?

(Mum, bf, total strangers?)

My friends, the ones who started before me, who have been having great success with it.

What’s your go-to comfort food now – and what’s out?

(Pasta forever? Chicken ick? We want it all.)

My diet hasn’t really changed that much as I eat pretty healthily. What has changed is my portion size. I was eating the same portion size as my husband and he’s 6ft 3! I’ve been working through the reasons why I did that, so I am grateful to the jabs for giving me that space to observe and change my thought process behind that. My go-to comfort food is actually a drink. I have a stress trigger, so now, instead of a glass of wine after a stressful day, I will have a non-alcoholic drink like G-Spot or HipPop and like it says on the tin, it totally hits the spot!

Best thing you’ve gained – besides weight loss?

(Confidence? Shoes you can finally lace up? Energy to argue with your partner again?)

My self-confidence!

I bought bikinis this summer and I had not worn a bikini in 20 years!

I have also gained valuable insight into my food triggers. I now know that I only need 50-75% of what my husband eats, not the same portion size. I think this understanding and habit will help considerably when I am ready to go onto the maintenance dosage.

Anything you wish someone had told you at the start?

(Newbies, take notes.)

Your journey is your own. Be mindful of who you are sharing your journey with because not everyone will support you and that’s ok. Continue to surround yourself with people who will, and that will help considerably.

What’s your take on the whole easy way out chat – and have you adjusted your lifestyle too – fitness/nutrition etc.?

(Be honest. It helps our readers cope.)

It can be an easy way out for some but who cares? As I’ve said before each person’s journey is their own and who says that the only “good” weight loss is when you are seen to “work” at it?  It’s none of anyone’s business! There is a train of thought that says hard work makes something worthy. I would love to turn that on its head.

Worthiness is inherent in all of us because of who we are and not what we do or how hard we work at something. Anyone who decides to use a jab is choosing themselves – for whatever reason – and I applaud them one and all.

What’s your next goal?

(Could be to run for a bus or dance at my daughter’s wedding – or come off the drugs and carry on with a lifestyle change – whatever matters to you.)

I lost 30lbs and had a break from the jabs. I’m back on them, and my next goal is to lose another half a stone and  get to my goal weight. I want to get back to running after an injury and gradually get down to a maintenance dose. Once on the maintenance dose, I’ll continue to look at my habits and triggers, address those therapeutically, and develop the best diet management strategy for me, post jab.

Finally – give us your one-liner SlimrChat wisdom?

(What would you write on a Post-it for the next person starting out?)

Ignore the judgement and just do you!

Are you inspired by Kia’s journey like we are? Have a look at Lozzii, Laura, Emily, Katie and Jen’s journeys.