Sarah Hill, 32, from Glasgow, had struggled with her weight since her late teens – but everything changed after using a jab
A mum-of-two, who often cancelled social outings due to feeling “the overweight one,” has managed to lose two stone in a mere two months after being treated with Mounjaro. Sarah Hill, 32, an assistant manager at a soft play centre in Glasgow, has grappled with her weight since her late teens.
She would spend hours getting ready for nights out, only to cancel at the last minute due to feelings of discomfort and self-consciousness – she spent years ‘staying in the shadows’. Earlier this year, Sarah reached her heaviest weight of 245lbs (17st and 7lbs), and standing at 5ft 4in tall, she frequently felt like a “failure” when stepping on the scales, reports Glasgow Live.
Her wake-up call came with the passing of her grandmother in July 2024, prompting her to take serious steps towards improving her health. Having tried every diet plan under the sun, she decided to give weight loss injections a shot. After years of battling her weight and missing out on cherished moments, Sarah revealed that a weekly dose of Mounjaro has been life-changing – she now feels like “a completely new person.”
In a conversation with PA Real Life, she confessed: “I’d get my hair and makeup done to try and make my face look nice, but I couldn’t bear the thought of my body in photos. I’d always be in black tights and floaty dresses, trying to cover up. Now I’m planning nights out again and actually showing up. I’ve got an outfit ready for this weekend and, for once, I’m excited.”
Sarah confessed to struggling with her weight since her teenage years, with her heaviest being 245lbs (17st 7lbs) and a dress size 22. “I was bullied in school and it just stuck with me,” she explained. “Even in PE, I’d hide in the toilets to get changed.”
After having her first child at 17, Sarah’s priorities shifted, and she tried various diets, including Cambridge, Slimming World, and calorie counting. Although she lost five stone at one point, she couldn’t maintain the weight loss. “I’d pile it back on and end up in an even worse place” she recalled.
Sarah’s weight struggles not only affected her physical health but also took a toll on her mental well-being. “I became obsessed with the scales,” she revealed. “If I gained a pound, I’d feel like a failure. There were times I cried after weigh-ins.”
The catalyst for change came after her grandmother, Sandra, passed away at 70 in July 2024. “She had cancer, and I was one of her main carers at the end,” Sarah said. “Losing her broke me. I was grieving, burned out, exhausted from work, and barely moving. That’s when I knew something had to change – not just for me, but for my kids.”
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Sarah initially stumbled upon online discussions about weight loss injections but was dubious about their effectiveness. It wasn’t until she saw friends and family achieve real results with the Slim Results programme, a weight management service, that she decided to give it a try.
Mounjaro is an injectable pen utilised for weight loss and the treatment of type 2 diabetes. As per NHS guidelines, Tirzepatide, also known as Mounjaro, is a self-administered weekly injection that aids in prolonging feelings of fullness and curbing hunger. It’s recommended that individuals using this injection maintain a balanced diet with fewer calories and partake in regular physical activity.
Mounjaro can be prescribed to people with a BMI exceeding 30 (indicating obesity) and those with a BMI above 27 (signifying overweight) who also suffer from weight-related health complications such as prediabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart conditions. The jab will only be prescribed by a specialist weight management service, where a healthcare professional deems it appropriate treatment.
Obtaining Mounjaro through the NHS for weight management involves a referral to a specialist service, fulfilling certain eligibility requirements, and recognising that access is being implemented gradually. For further details, visit the NHS website.
“I was nervous at first – it’s a medication, and there’s still so much stigma, but I can honestly say it’s the best decision I’ve ever made,” she expressed. Two months on, Sarah has managed to bring her weight down from 245lbs (17st 7lbs) to 216lbs (15st 6lbs). She now comfortably wears a size 14 to 16 and shared that a recent shopping trip felt like a significant accomplishment.
Sarah recalled how she used to steer clear of some fashion stores, like Primark, due to the limited size options, saying: “I used to just avoid Primark like the plague because I felt like I couldn’t wear anything,” However, her recent visit was a resounding success, as she proudly shared: “I came out with a massive bag yesterday. I was an XXL before, and I got larges and even some mediums. That was a big hit for me.”
This experience has left a lasting impression, not just because of the smaller sizes but also because of the sense of inclusivity she now feels. “I felt like I had to go to the plus-size ranges and online to find anything,” she explained. Now I can walk in and pick something up. It feels amazing.”
Initially, Sarah encountered some side effects from the jab, including fatigue and constipation, but she credits the unwavering support from the Slim Results team for helping her navigate these challenges. “They were brilliant,” she praised. “I thought I’d just be sent the jab and that’s it, but they were there any time I needed advice – on nutrition, vitamins, everything.”
Sarah’s dietary habits have also undergone a significant transformation. She revealed: “I used to start the day with two sausage rolls and a large vanilla latte. Now it’s overnight oats or fruit and an Americano with a splash of milk. Lunch is soup or salad, and dinner is usually a big plate of veg with some protein – I’ve always liked food, but now I enjoy meals that actually fuel me.”
Sarah has experienced a remarkable boost in self-assurance, leading her to embrace adventures she would have once shied away from. She’s excitedly planning a family trip to Disneyland for October, without the usual worries about ride restrictions or feeling self-conscious in the warm weather. “We’re going to Disneyland with the kids in October and I’m not panicking about fitting on the rides or covering up in the heat,” she expressed.
“I just feel like a new person. I used to be the one behind the camera, never in them. Now I’m proud to be in the picture.” While acknowledging there’s still a way to go on her journey, Sarah is optimistic about achieving her targets.
When it comes to Mounjaro, the weight loss treatment she’s been using, Sarah is eager to share her positive experience. She feels there’s a lot of misunderstanding surrounding weight loss injections. “People misunderstand weight loss injections,” she said. “They think it’s cheating or that you’re lazy, but they’ve never lived in a body that feels like a burden. It’s not just a jab. It’s a fresh start.”