Reverend Richard Coles Shares Dramatic Weight Loss Journey with Mounjaro Jabs
Reverend Richard Coles, the former Communards musician turned clergyman, has publicly disclosed a significant personal transformation, revealing he has shed an impressive 15 per cent of his total body weight since commencing a course of weight loss injections. The 64-year-old celebrity, known for his vibrant pop career in the 1980s and subsequent religious vocation, explained that he began to notice himself becoming what he humorously described as a 'tad plump' after he ceased his habitual daily walks. This change in routine followed the heartbreaking loss of his beloved canine companion, which had previously motivated his regular exercise.
A Birthday Gift to Himself: Embracing Pharmaceutical Aid
In a candid interview with The Mirror, Coles elaborated on his decision to start using Mounjaro, a prescription medication often referred to colloquially as 'fat jabs'. He expressed considerable satisfaction with the outcomes, stating, 'I was getting fat. But I'm on the fat jabs now and that's been really helpful. It's so good not having to go to the gym. I think I've lost 15 per cent of my body weight.' The reverend attributed his previous weight gain to the natural ageing process and his enjoyment of culinary and vinous pleasures, quipping, 'I was getting older because I like food and I like wine... go figure!'
Interestingly, the weight loss treatment was initially a personal birthday present to mark his 63rd birthday in March of the previous year. Looking ahead, Coles has set a new objective: to acquire a new dog. However, this plan has encountered some domestic resistance from his partner, Dickie Cant, whom he met via a dating application in 2022. 'Coming off the Mounjaro and getting a dog is my aim,' Coles shared. 'Although Dickie vetoed getting a corgi, and in fact would rather a cat.'
Confronting Hearing Loss: A Legacy from His Pop Star Days
In addition to discussing his weight management, Reverend Coles opened up about another significant health challenge: substantial hearing impairment, which he directly links to his energetic years as a pop musician. He disclosed to The Times that he now requires hearing aids, a consequence of the excessively loud environments he frequented during the 1980s. His hearing issues became impossible to ignore when tinnitus symptoms intensified dramatically, despite earlier warning signs such as friends repeatedly asking him to lower the television volume.
During an audiologist appointment, Coles was placed in a soundproof booth for testing. The results were stark, revealing a severe decline in his ability to perceive high-frequency sounds. He vividly described the audiogram, noting it showed 'a drop steeper than Tesla's share price' in response to those frequencies. Subsequently, he was fitted with two discreet, technologically advanced hearing aids. These devices feature multiple customizable settings, allowing him to adjust volume and focus on conversations or background noise as needed for different social situations.
Life-Transforming Technology and Lingering Challenges
The impact of these hearing aids proved to be profound and unexpectedly positive. Attending a performance by the Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra and Festival Chorus, Coles experienced a revelatory moment. He wrote, 'I wondered if hearing aids would offer only slight improvement rather than life-transforming change, but then I went to a concert. It was revelatory — not only a fine performance, but the sound in the hall was crisp, lively, full of attack and sparkle.' He also noted improvements in his piano playing and speech clarity, as remarked upon by friends.
Nevertheless, not all auditory difficulties have been completely resolved. The former star acknowledged that distinguishing individual voices in noisy, crowded settings like bustling restaurants remains a considerable challenge. To navigate this, he has adopted a practical strategy: visiting less popular dining establishments during quieter, off-peak hours to ensure a nearly empty environment, thereby facilitating easier conversation.
Reflections on a Noisy Past and a Warning to Future Musicians
Richard Coles's musical journey began with Bronski Beat in 1983 before he co-founded the Communards with Jimmy Somerville in 1985. Although the duo was active for only three years, they achieved remarkable success, including releasing the best-selling single of 1986 with their rendition of 'Don't Leave Me This Way'. Coles, who later embarked on a career in the church during the 1990s, holds his intense pop career and frequent attendance at loud nightclubs directly responsible for his subsequent hearing problems.
He recalled receiving prophetic advice over four decades ago from the legendary Beatles producer, George Martin, who urged him to protect his hearing—a piece of wisdom Martin himself wished he had been given earlier. At the time, Coles was disappointed by this counsel, but years of auditory struggle and eventual dependence on hearing aids have profoundly changed his perspective. He now emphatically states that he would pass on the same crucial advice to aspiring musicians entering the industry, highlighting the long-term importance of hearing conservation.
