5 stone loss and now in maintenance. The SlimrChat Interview

Anna-Louise Dearden | Last update: 28th July 2025

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

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

I decided to start taking Mounjaro back in January. I had previously lost 2st on my own by changing my diet and going to the gym when I had time, but by January my weight loss had come to a standstill. I was up a 1lb, then down a 1lb and it was starting to get me down. So I thought I’d take it as a quick fix, a boost if you like, thinking I’d only do it for a month or so then stop. That hasn’t been the case. 

 What surprised you most when you started?

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

What surprised me the most was the appetite suppression.

That first week was insane. I could barely eat anything.

It was what I can only imagine what it’s like having a gastric band fitted. I was full after just a few mouthfuls. 

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

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

I used to be religious when taking it at the start. I always jabbed on a Saturday to feel the full effects over the weekend but then days changed as I forgot about taking it. Now I’m coming off, I’m trying to go longer and longer between jabs, I’m not sure if this is a good idea or not, but it’s working for me. I’m getting down to my final couple of doses though and I am starting to become nervous about stopping them completely. 

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

(Mum, bf, total strangers?)

Friends and family have been very supportive. My partner was very sceptical at first as I hadn’t really done any research and couldn’t really even tell him anything about the drugs (big mistake). He went off and did his own research though, and in the end, having seen my determination and achievements he is now very supportive. 

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

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

I haven’t really got a comfort food issue. Ice cream is still my nemesis, but now, instead of eating an entire tub in one night, I weigh out a portion and make a tub last a few weeks. Alcohol does not interest me any more, not even because of bad hangovers, I just don’t fancy it at all. Whether that’s the drugs or me just realising that it’s empty calories, who knows, but yup, alcohol is off the menu. 

Best thing you’ve gained (besides weight lost)?

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

The best thing I’ve gained, besides the weight loss, is being able to have the energy to play with my little boy without feeling tired and sluggish all the time. I had no energy before to run around with him because everything hurt.

I was 35 and my feet and knees used to hurt when I got out of bed to walk downstairs.

Now I can run up my two flights of stairs no problem. Also not feeling like I was about to die when working out in the gym and running a 5k without training in under 30mins. So many things.

Anything you wish someone had told you at the start?

(Newbies, take notes.)

It’s not a quick fix, you can’t really just do a month. And it’s quite addictive when you see the losses coming off. It’s difficult to know when to stop. 

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.)

I do say jokingly, oh I’ve cheated taking the jabs, but honestly it isn’t cheating. It’s still hard work and you still have to be sensible about what you eat. I went for a curry and wine night very early on in my journey, thinking all would be fine…it was not. I was so ill and felt shocking. You still have to go to the gym and you still have to change your habits or when you come off it you’ll be another statistic that lost it all and gained it back…and more. I now only eat two meals a day. Start the day with a black coffee, drink two-plus litres of water a day and try not to go over 1200 cals a day, so that I’m always in a deficit. Some days that’s easier than others.  

What’s your next goal?

(Could be 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.)

My next goal is to get off the drugs and keep the weight off. I’m on 2.5 every other week now to come off slowly but I can already feel the sugar cravings creeping back in. Now the real hard work starts by not giving into the cravings. 

 Finally – give us your one-liner SlimrChat wisdom?

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

Do your research. I didn’t and I had no idea what was coming. Also, tell people you are on it. They may know someone who’s been on it or wanting to start it. And finally it’s your journey. It won’t be the same as mine or anyone else’s. Make it your final weight loss journey and change your life. Taking Mounjaro has been the best thing I ever did. 

Enjoy Katie’s story? Have a look at Louise’s here. And get advice from the NHS here.