There was a time when summer meant sunbeds, string bikinis, and that golden glow I spent weeks chasing.
I lived for those beach days, and honestly, the smaller the bikini, the better.
But over the past decade, that carefree joy slowly faded—not because I stopped loving the sun, but because I stopped loving how I felt in my own skin.
From Confidence to Cover-Ups
Holidays used to be a time of excitement. I’d book the hotel, plan the flights, and eagerly look forward to relaxing.
But as the years went on and the weight crept up, that excitement came with baggage—literal and emotional.
My suitcase became filled with oversized, tent-like dresses meant to conceal rather than celebrate. I wasn’t me anymore.
Poolside lounging turned into tactical missions.
I’d wrap myself in beach towels and execute lightning-fast disrobing moves so no one could really see me.
I’ve avoided standing in a bikini for public view since I was 62. Until now.
Rediscovering My Body Through Weight Loss Jabs
Thanks to a little pharmaceutical help—specifically, Mounjaro—I’m 25% lighter than I was at my heaviest.
That weight loss gave me something I hadn’t felt in years: a real, deep confidence.
So when I was asked to do a bikini shoot, my instinct was a hard no. But then I thought, Why not? I’ve worked hard, and I feel proud of how far I’ve come.
Yes, I started the shoot in a kaftan, but in a burst of confidence (and maybe a little adrenaline), I ditched the cover-up.
I thought of the blue pool, the sun on my skin, and decided to own the moment.
Health Warnings I Couldn’t Ignore
I know some people might think I’m too focused on weight, but for someone barely over 5ft, two or three extra stone is no small thing.
My body had been waving red flags for a while—stubborn belly fat, exhaustion after meals, and aches that made everyday life feel heavy.
The real wake-up call came with blood tests: high cholesterol, pre-diabetes, and fatty liver disease.
As a former health minister working on obesity strategy, it felt painfully ironic.
I couldn’t pretend anymore. I wasn’t just uncomfortable—I was at risk.
Time to Face Reality
It was more than just how I looked. My health was deteriorating, and I felt it in everything—driving, walking, even just sitting still.
I wanted to be a hands-on grandmother, not a spectator from the sidelines.
My body had been trying to tell me something. I just hadn’t been listening.
The Battle After Weight Loss
By January, I hit my goal: 8st 12lbs. Elated, I stopped taking the jabs—and that was my biggest mistake.
My body rebelled. Hunger returned like a freight train, and all I could think about was food.
I started gaining again. Not a lot, but enough to know I wasn’t done.
I learned the hard way that coming off too soon is risky.
Your body thinks it’s been starved and clings to every calorie.
I needed a softer landing, a gradual transition. Unfortunately, pharmacy rules meant I couldn’t restart the jabs—my BMI was now too low.
Finding a New Path Forward
Luckily, I found a private doctor who understood.
We started again with a very low dose. This time, I did it differently. No side effects, no drama.
Just a steady, gentle tapering off. And when I finally stopped? No cravings. No overwhelming hunger. Just peace.
Now I weigh 8st 11lbs. I’d like to lose a few more pounds slowly and naturally, but the most important thing is—I feel healthy.
My blood work is normal. My joints are happier. I’m lighter in every sense of the word.
Embracing the Summer I Thought I Lost
So yes, I am ready for the beach this year. Really ready. I’ve swapped the shapeless dresses for fitted T-shirts and shorts.
The old ‘tent wardrobe’ has been donated to charity.
I’ve even bought new bikinis—and I plan to walk proudly to that poolside bar with zero towels draped over me.
This summer feels like a gift. I’m not just thinner, I’m stronger.
I’m not hiding anymore. And I know I’m not alone—there are countless women like me rediscovering joy, confidence, and maybe even a little bit of sass.
Looking Ahead With Hope
I’m not chasing perfection. I’m chasing freedom—freedom from pain, from self-consciousness, from silence.
Next year, I plan to be even fitter, more toned, and more confident.
But for now, I’ll enjoy the breeze, the sun, and the smile that’s come back to stay.
Here’s to the first summer in a long time where I’ll actually enjoy being seen. I’ve earned it.