Why Richard chose to start weight loss injections
Dr. Richard, EMPOWER’s Medical Director and a practicing GP for over 20 years, wasn’t always at the weight he is now.
“In my late twenties, I was fairly slim. But life happened – food, wine, less exercise. By my early fifties, I was 23 and a half stone.”
Over the years, he tried various weight loss methods including different diets, calorie tracking, exercise and even daily injections. “I lost 4-5 stone during the pandemic because I was worried about getting Covid. But I regained it – stress, comfort eating and a sedentary desk job meant it all crept back.”
This time, he needed a longer-term solution.
“I didn’t want a quick fix. I wanted something that worked alongside me, not against me. I knew I needed to feel more in control, not just with food, but life in general.”
Starting the Programme
In May 2024, Richard began taking weight loss injections.
- Start Weight: 140kg (22 stone)
- Goal: Get below 100kg, lower his BMI and build strength for his 60s
- Result: 44kg (7 stone) lost by May 2025
- Current Weight: 97kg (15 stone 3)
His weight loss averaged about 2lbs per week, with a more dramatic drop in the first month. But this wasn’t just about the scales, Richard had to make changes to his everyday life.
“I still track my calories every day – and I think I will forever. The injections helped, but it’s the routine and knowledge that have kept the results going. I’m now aware of the calories within different foods, so I can prepare meals that are more balanced and filling.”
The subtle shifts that made all the difference
Richard noticed the impact of the injections quickly, not just physically, but mentally.
- Hunger and fullness: “I felt fuller faster. I stopped cooking big portions, started halving meals and asking myself if I really needed the second half.”
- Energy and movement: “I gradually had more energy. I chose to take the stairs, walk the dog more, and even park further away. It’s the small choices that added up.”
- Mindset: “There was a clear sense of control again. Not just with food, but I felt like I could tackle other aspects in my life too – such as finances.”
Richard also worked with a personal trainer weekly, gradually building strength and tracking progress to avoid muscle loss. “I hit personal bests on weights and reps, which was a big reassurance that I wasn’t losing muscle mass.”
Side effects and adjustments
Initially, side effects were minimal. As the dose increased, Richard noticed occasional tiredness and a slight uptick in hunger the following day after each injection.
“Everyone’s different – the key is understanding what’s normal for you. Keeping your clinician up to date with any side effects your experiencing is key.”
Why maintenance is just as important
Whilst Richard has now reached his goal weight, he hasn’t come off injections straight away. “People come off injections too soon. They reach their goal but haven’t built the habits to stay at that weight.”
Instead, he’s gradually playing with his calorie intake while still on the injections to learn what maintenance really looks like.
“You need to practice the lifestyle that will keep you at your goal weight. Otherwise, the odds of regaining are very high. It’s important to relearn what you enjoy and what works for your weight and energy levels.”
What Richard feels people should be aware of at the start of treatment
Richard is clear about what’s required to succeed:
- You still need to change your behaviour. “Weight loss injections aren’t magic. It’s still less calories in, more calories out. Knowing my portions and having the right foods at home really helped me.”
- It’s about consistency, not perfection. “A single takeaway won’t derail you. But five days of drifting can restart old habits. A weekly Chinese takeaway that used to last one meal is now a monthly order that’s half the size and lasts me for two days.”
- You have to hold yourself accountable. “There’s a degree of vigilance that can’t be underestimated. You need to make significant changes compared to your life before.”
Advice from a GP who’s been there
“If you’re thinking about starting injections, don’t be afraid to ask for help. For me, the risk of staying where I was – approaching 60 with a BMI near 40 – was far greater than the calculated risk of the medication. However, the injections do have risks, and these should be explained to you fully by your clinician.”
“The medication helped me feel like I was driving a sportscar, not an old Skoda – but it still needed steering. I think about food differently now; my life expectancy is higher, and I’m more motivated to be in control of my life.”
Considering a new chapter for your health?
Our EMPOWER programme is built around safe, supervised weight loss – with medication only where clinically appropriate. But more than that, we offer support, education, and the tools for lifelong change.
Start your journey with us today.
This is one individual’s experience. Results vary. Weight loss medication is only prescribed after a clinical assessment confirms it’s safe and appropriate. The EMPOWER programme includes medical oversight, education, and lifestyle support.
