A mother from Ireland has revealed how a shocking Christmas photograph led her to lose an incredible seven stone, with the help of the blockbuster weight loss injection Ozempic.
The Turning Point: Bigger Than Santa
Aisling McCarthy, 43, from Cork, had battled her weight for more than ten years. Her struggles began after she developed arthritis and fibromyalgia, a long-term condition that causes widespread pain, extreme tiredness, and memory problems. These health issues left her unable to properly bond with her newborn daughter, Bethany.
"I was an emotional eater," the stay-at-home mum explained. Overwhelmed with guilt because she couldn't lift or play with her child, she turned to food for comfort. This pattern saw her consume multiple takeaways each week, along with chocolates, sweets, and popcorn, leading her to gain a staggering 7 stone in just four years. At her heaviest, she weighed 17 stone (238 lbs) and wore a size 22.
The pivotal moment came in 2017 when she saw a family photo taken at a Santa's Grotto. "I had felt good that day, I'd put on nice clothes and makeup," she recalled. "Then I saw the photo and thought 'Oh my God'... I was bigger than Santa." The image left her feeling "disgusting" and became the catalyst for change.
The Journey to a Healthier Life
Her weight continued to cause problems, exacerbating her arthritis and leading to a slipped disc. Despite trying various diets, she couldn't shift the pounds. The pandemic and subsequent lockdowns made things worse, providing an excuse to hide away and indulge.
In late 2021, she visited her GP in a final attempt to get help. She had previously been told she needed to lose at least five stone before she could undergo surgery to have her tubes tied. Her doctor recommended weight loss injections. After researching, Ms McCarthy ordered her first prescription of Ozempic in March 2022, which cost her £122.80.
The drug, which contains the active ingredient semaglutide, works by suppressing appetite. "It quietened my food cravings and diminished my appetite," she said. However, she knew the injections alone weren't a permanent fix. To ensure lasting change, she also overhauled her diet, began exercising regularly, and started therapy to address the emotional roots of her eating.
A New Chapter and Surgical Transformation
Her dedication paid off. By early 2023, as demand for Ozempic surged, her GP advised her to start tapering off the jabs. She has successfully maintained her weight loss by swapping takeaways for home-cooked soups, stir-fries, and salads.
The weight loss brought significant physical benefits, easing the symptoms of her arthritis and fibromyalgia. It also allowed her to finally have the surgery she wanted. In February 2023, she got her tubes tied. Later, in February 2025, she underwent a £3,500 breast reduction and an apronectomy—a procedure to remove excess skin and fat from her abdomen—to relieve back pain.
"I am now so much happier as a mum," Ms McCarthy stated. She now enjoys walks with her 11-year-old daughter and is looking forward to a family Christmas where she can take a new photo, proudly showing off her transformation.
Fibromyalgia, the condition that contributed to the start of her weight gain, affects an estimated one in 50 people in the UK. It is characterised by chronic pain, stiffness, and fatigue, though its exact cause is not fully understood.
