3 days ago
County Durham woman who lost 16 stone warns weight loss drugs aren't the answer
A County Durham woman who lost 16 stone without drugs says she believes that slimming clubs are still needed despite the growing popularity of weight loss medication.
Starting in 2010, Sue Thompson lost 16 stone over two-and-a-half years by following Slimming World's eating plan.
Sue, from Chester-le-Street, now manages 145 Slimming World groups across County Durham and says that while weight loss injections such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro have taken off as the quick solution to weight loss, lifestyle changes like those offered by her groups cannot be replaced.
Sue Thompson before her weight loss (Image: SUE THOMPSON)
She said: 'While, of course, I know first-hand that lasting weight loss can be achieved without drugs, I also understand that when you're desperate to lose weight, it can be tempting to try something new that promises instant results.
'I was 27 stone and 8lbs when I joined Slimming World and I used to fear that my weight would kill me, my health was impacted on a daily basis.
'The truth is though there's no magic bullet – losing weight and maintaining that weight loss requires change. Weight loss drugs need to go hand-in-hand with making changes to your diet, activity and mindset. They're not a replacement for those changes.'
Sue after her wight loss. She says there is no magic bullet to losing weight (Image: SUE THOMPSON)
With 64 million people in the UK overweight or living with obesity, Sue emphasised the importance of being part of a support group when trying to lose weight.
She said: 'Many people join our groups after trying to lose weight beforehand, often alone and unsuccessfully. They understand they need support because it isn't easy – and it's even harder on your own. Whether you're using weight loss medication or have had surgery, lasting change needs real support.
'Members form strong friendships in groups, and there's nothing quite like the motivation and accountability that comes from losing weight with others who understand the challenges.
Sue, before and after her weight loss, with her goddaughter, left, and a friend's baby, right (Image: SUE THOMPSON)
'Being part of a group helps you to stay on track and committed until the changes you're making become everyday habits.'
Weight loss drugs are more accessible than ever, although a poll of 2,000 adults revealed 69 per cent of adults would still be unlikely to take them. Of those, 25 per cent said they don't want to change the way they eat, drink and socialise, and 21 per cent worried they wouldn't get the nutrition they need for good health.
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Sue credits her healthy weight loss results to community-based slimming clubs.
She said: 'With Slimming World I lost weight with no deprivation or hunger and in a way that is for life.
'We will never judge anyone for going down the route of weight loss injections, we want them to know we are here with the support they need to make their weight loss sustainable.'
