There was a time when summer meant everything to me.
Sun, swimsuits, and that glorious golden tan—I was all in.
I’d spend weeks prepping my body with sunbeds and squeezing into the tiniest bikinis I could find, feeling confident, carefree, and vibrant.
Fast-forward a few decades and things weren’t quite so sunny anymore.
For the past ten years, holidays stopped being fun and started becoming… complicated. And it was all down to my weight.
How My Holiday Joy Turned into Dread
The excitement would start strong—flights booked, hotels sorted, wardrobe “prepared.”
But instead of stylish pieces, my suitcase was filled with what I called “tents”: oversized, shapeless clothes designed to hide my body.
Gone were the days of poolside lounging with pride.
Instead, I’d master the art of a covert bikini reveal—beach towels stacked around me like shields, flipping onto my back before anyone could spot me standing upright.
I was convinced lying down made me look slimmer. No one had seen me vertical in a bikini since I turned 62.
Rediscovering Myself with a Little Help
But this summer? It’s different. I’ve lost 25% of my body weight, thanks to weight-loss injections and some serious Pilates. I finally feel like myself again.
When I was first asked to do a bikini photo shoot, I laughed. “Absolutely not,” I thought. “I wouldn’t do that to your poor readers.”
But then I remembered—I’m not that self-conscious woman anymore.
I have a strong core, a flat tummy, and a renewed sense of pride. Why not celebrate that?
From Kaftan to Bikini—No More Hiding
At first, I insisted on covering up with a kaftan for the shoot. But midway through, something shifted.
I thought, “To hell with it.” The team was all women, and I felt safe.
So I dropped the kaftan and let the camera capture this new, confident version of me.
And honestly? It felt amazing. That blue pool in the background, the sunshine on my skin—I finally felt like the woman I used to be.
The Silent Toll of Gaining Weight
Let’s not pretend I had loads of weight to lose. But when you’re just over 5ft tall, an extra two or three stone can feel like a lot.
It was especially tough after menopause—my body changed in ways I didn’t expect.
I looked in the mirror and saw rolls of fat gathering around my waist. It wasn’t just about vanity either.
This was dangerous visceral fat—fat that hugs your internal organs and spikes your health risks.
I was miserable. Driving the car, I could feel the bulges over my waistband.
Every Monday began with, “Right, this is the week!” But every Friday ended in frustration.
The Wake-Up Call I Couldn’t Ignore
Then came the test results—high cholesterol, fatty liver, pre-diabetes. I couldn’t pretend anymore.
My BMI screamed “danger,” and the irony? I was a health minister at the time, working on the government’s obesity strategy.
But like many women, I kept thinking, “Not me. That happens to other people.”
The red flags were everywhere, and still I ignored them—until the third phone call from my GP snapped me out of denial.
I thought about my granddaughter, about the life I still wanted to live, and realised I had to change.
Dealing with the Realities of Aging and Weight
My body had been sending signals for years—tiredness, stiffness, aching joints, even signs I needed a second hip replacement.
After long drives, I had to pause and wiggle my hips just to walk normally.
And every holiday reminded me of what I’d lost: the freedom to wear what I wanted and enjoy the sun without shame.
I was constantly asking myself, “Can I still wear a bikini?” And the answer was always: “Not with confidence.”
Starting My Weight-Loss Journey (And What I Did Wrong)
Last July, I started using Mounjaro—a weight-loss injection that helped me reach my goal weight of 8st 12lbs by January.
But then I made the classic mistake: I quit the injections too soon.
Big mistake.
The hunger came roaring back. I was constantly thinking about food, even during parties when I should’ve been socialising.
I tried exercising more, but it only made me hungrier.
The weight started to creep back, and I realised I needed a better plan.
A Smarter Second Attempt—and a Smoother Ride
The second time around, I got help from a private doctor.
I microdosed, starting on the tiniest amount—just 1mg a week.
No side effects. Eventually, I moved to 1.9mg. And this time, when I stopped taking the drug, the hunger didn’t return.
The food noise was gone. My body had adjusted.
Now, I’m down to 8st 11lbs. I’d like to lose a few more pounds slowly—just enough to hit that healthy BMI sweet spot.
But I’m taking it easy. No pressure. Just mindful, gradual progress.
Goodbye Shame, Hello Confidence
This summer feels like a brand new beginning. I’m finally buying clothes I want to wear—no more hiding behind oversized tunics.
I’ve got bikinis I’m excited to put on. I’ll be walking around the pool like I own the place.
No more towel shields, no more shrinking away.
I’m ready for terrace dinners, sunny beaches, and maybe even a cocktail at the pool bar—sans kaftan.
Looking Ahead with Optimism
Knowing I’ve improved my health, strengthened my body, and regained my confidence feels like a gift.
I’ve worked hard for this, and I’m not about to let it slip away.
This summer is mine—and for the first time in years, I can’t wait.