Dave joined CheqUp in October last year after realising that the approaches he had tried to manage his weight were no longer giving him the long-term change he needed.
At 62, his blood pressure and cholesterol were rising, and although he could lose a couple of stone at times, it always returned. “I just felt I really needed to make a positive change,” he said. After researching weight loss medication and speaking with his GP, he felt ready to try something different.
Getting started on treatment
The early weeks brought a few manageable adjustments. Dave noticed a short spell of heartburn and some digestive changes, which settled as his body adapted and his eating habits shifted. He also became more aware of feeling the cold but despite this, he quickly felt the benefits and began to see steady progress.
A noticeable shift in confidence
By April, Dave had reached just over 13 stone, down from 18 stone 9. His weight loss happened steadily over the first six months and had a marked impact on how he felt day to day.
His wardrobe changed completely. “I enjoy buying clothes now. Getting into 32-inch jeans felt amazing,” he said. He stopped choosing clothes that hid his shape and began buying the pieces he had always wanted to wear. As a childminder, he walks around four miles a day and found this became easier and more comfortable than before.
I used to buy clothes that hid my weight. Now I enjoy choosing the clothes I always wanted and feel more confident in myself than I have in years.
Changing habits with food and drink
Dave noticed big changes in how he ate. He found he was less likely to graze and could keep his portion sizes in check. “I’m not in the biscuit barrel every two minutes,” he said. His appetite for alcohol also reduced, which he viewed as a positive for his health and weight loss.
He became more aware of high-calorie foods, regularly checking labels and making more conscious choices. “Sometimes you look at a cake and see it is 350 calories and think, that is almost a meal, you don’t need it.”
Maintaining his progress
After reaching his goal weight, Dave spent the next few months maintaining it. Holidays and celebrations meant the usual small ups and downs, but he found his habits and continued use of the medication helped him stay steady. “If I have a good or bad weekend, I might gain a pound or two, but it comes off again once I’m back into my routine,” he explained.
He now sees the medication as a long-term maintenance tool and adjusts his dose when needed. “I always said I’d think of it like a gym membership. If it keeps my weight under control, I’m happy with that.”
A meaningful impact on his health
One of the most important outcomes for Dave has been the improvement in his overall health. His blood pressure and cholesterol, which previously required medication, are now normal. “We tried coming off the tablets and my blood pressure stayed down. My cholesterol is normal too,” he said.
He feels more active, more confident and more comfortable in himself than he has in years. “I’m much happier where I am. I don’t want to put any weight back on and this helps keep everything under control.”
