A 26-stone man from Manchester who felt socially anxious because of his weight has lost 11 stone, saying the jabs he used were 'not enough' on their own.
Guy, who avoided activities he loved and sat at home on video calls, says his life has been transformed after joining weight-loss group BeeWeighed. He attended regular weigh-ins and was active on the group's social media pages, where he received encouragement and support.
One-to-one coaching and Mounjaro
As his journey progressed, Guy took part in BeeWeighed founder Lynda Leadbetter's one-to-one coaching programme. He also chose to use Mounjaro as part of his weight loss. Initially, he kept this private because he felt embarrassed and feared being judged.
Guy said: "I had struggled to lose weight for years, I’d had some success but tended to put it back ok due to eating habits, if I’m honest I thought using injections was a cheat; in fact I used to be embarrassed about taking Mounjaro and wouldn’t tell people, but the truth is when you’ve tried every other way and struggle I think having a helping hand with medication isn’t cheating; its taking charge, so I don’t feel embarrassed anymore."
'A different person'
He added: "I’ve lost 11 stone and it has changed my life, I’d have never got up and sang on karaoke being 26 stone; but the injection while helping me lost weight isn’t enough to keep it off, you need to learn to change habits and that’s why I joined BeeWeighed, I did private Zooms because initially I was socially anxious and this was easier; now I’m less so but the Zooms suit my life; Beeweighed gave me the support and accountability I needed alongside my treatment, and for the first time in years I’m looking in the mirror and actually liking the person looking back at me."
Guy says he is keen to show that medication is 'simply one tool available to support people living with obesity' and that lasting success still requires commitment, healthier habits and lifestyle change.
Founder's praise
Lynda, founder of BeeWeighed, said: "I couldn't be prouder of Guy. Watching him transform, not just physically but emotionally, has been incredible. His confidence has grown beyond recognition, his health has improved and he's enjoying life again. The most important thing is that he found an approach that worked for him, and that's exactly what BeeWeighed is all about."
She added: "There is still far too much stigma surrounding weight-loss injections. The medication doesn't make the healthy choices for you, it doesn't keep you motivated and it doesn't create new habits. Guy has worked incredibly hard every step of the way and deserves every bit of recognition for what he has achieved. If sharing his story helps just one person feel less embarrassed about seeking support, then it's worth it."
