Vicki Horn, 41, from Newcastle, lost more than 100lbs (45kg) in under a year after a holiday photograph in Poland left her horrified. The image, which she had expected to be "cute," instead became the catalyst for a dramatic transformation that involved overcoming a lifelong needle phobia.
Turning point in Poland
After years of struggling with her weight and trying various diets without success, Vicki found herself increasingly self-conscious, especially after gaining more weight during the Covid-19 pandemic. She avoided having her photograph taken and withdrew from activities such as going to the gym. The decisive moment came during a boat trip in Poland. "I thought I looked cute in the picture, and when I saw it afterwards, I was absolutely mortified," she said. "That was the moment I knew I needed help."
Overcoming needle phobia
In April 2025, Vicki recognised that weight-loss injections were her best option but had to confront a severe fear of needles. "I had to have therapy because I was so scared of needles, and I had been so worried before my first GLP-1 treatment that I cried and had to have my husband help me," she recalled. She began treatment with Mounjaro, prescribed through the digital pharmacy Voy. Within less than a year, she had reduced her overall body weight by over 45%.
Emotional transformation
While the physical change was significant, Vicki says the emotional impact has been even greater. "My confidence has gone through the roof," she said. "I look back at old videos of myself, and I can see how nervous and uncomfortable I was. Now I feel like a completely different person." She chose to be open about her treatment from the start, quickly realising how much shame and stigma still surround obesity and weight-loss medication.
Stigma of 'secret jabbers'
"There are many people who describe themselves as 'secret jabbers'," Vicki explained. "Because of the stigma that still surrounds weight-loss injections, some feel uncomfortable sharing their journey publicly or even discussing it with friends and family, fearing judgement or misunderstanding." She added that the shame she felt while living with obesity was far greater than any stigma attached to seeking medical support. "I felt more stigma around being big than I ever have about taking Mounjaro."
Double standards and judgment
Vicki believes people with obesity face a no-win situation due to societal double standards. "When you're overweight, people judge you for your size. Then when you lose weight with medication, people say you've cheated. You can't win." She experienced this firsthand when a friend's reaction changed upon learning she used Mounjaro. "They immediately pulled a face, saying it was cheating," Vicki said. "It's amazing how quickly people's attitudes can change."
Looking to oral medication
Looking ahead, Vicki is interested in trying the new oral weight-loss medication now available on prescription in the UK for weight maintenance. Having lived with a diagnosed needle phobia, she believes pills could encourage more people to seek treatment. "There will be lots of people who find a pill much less intimidating," she said. "People seem to focus on the fact you're 'on the jabs'. A pill feels more traditional, and that might make it easier for some people to accept." New research from Voy found that the oral treatment has seen 2.5 times as much interest as injectables since waiting lists launched in early June.
Call for compassion
Dr Earim Chaudry, Voy’s Chief Medical Officer, commented: "The oral pill marks a significant development for eligible adults and healthcare professionals considering evidence-based options for chronic weight management." Vicki hopes conversations around obesity treatment become less judgmental and more compassionate. "At the end of the day, people are just trying to improve their health," she said. "There shouldn't be any shame in that."
