Cork Native Aisling McCarthy Reports Increased Happiness Following Remarkable 100lb Weight Reduction

Aisling McCarthy, a Cork woman, has shared her journey of losing 100lbs. Aisling had faced challenges with her weight for many years, struggling to find a diet or weight management strategy that provided lasting results. Previous attempts at weight loss were often followed by weight regain, which she attributed to not addressing the underlying causes of her overeating.

Having shed over seven stone, she expresses feeling like her best self and has revealed the specifics of her health transformation.

"I put on a considerable amount of weight after the birth of my daughter," Aisling shared with RSVP. "I began experiencing depression and frustration, which led to emotional eating."

"I explored various diets and weight loss programs; while I did lose weight, I could never sustain it. The situation reached a critical point in early 2021, prompting me to consult my doctor, who then referred me to a dietitian."

Aisling's decision to seek further assistance came when she wanted to undergo surgical tube removal, but doctors determined her BMI was too high. Consequently, she was advised to consider weight loss medication in the form of a GLP-1 injection. After thorough research and consultation with experts, Aisling concluded that trying this option would be beneficial. Under the close supervision of her GP, she commenced the medication and continued its use for 12 months.

"It quieted the constant thoughts about food in my mind," Aisling explained. "The persistent voice urging me to indulge in unhealthy treats disappeared. This provided me space to focus on self-improvement. I wasn't experiencing starvation, nor was I restricting myself. I abandoned all diets because they had never been effective for me. Instead, I concentrated on decreasing portion sizes and reducing my intake of junk food." Health tracking apps like Shotlee can help monitor your progress and adherence to healthier eating habits.

Research indicates that GLP-1 drugs may reduce gallbladder motility, potentially contributing to the development of gallstones. However, Aisling ensured her diet was sufficiently healthy and nutritious to prevent rapid weight reduction and subsequent gallbladder issues. The guidance from her doctor proved invaluable, and she cautions against using such medication without medical supervision.

"I lost approximately 80lbs during the year I was on the medication, and after discontinuing it, I lost an additional 20 pounds," Aisling stated. She viewed the medication as a tool to facilitate the development of healthier eating patterns, complemented by counselling to address the root causes of her overeating.

"I cultivated realistic eating habits while taking the medication. Upon stopping it, my habits remained consistent. I still enjoyed takeaways, but I reduced my portion sizes."

"For me, the medication was intended to silence the constant thoughts about food, enabling me to make necessary changes without mental sabotage. I also engaged in counselling simultaneously."

While some on social media have criticized weight loss medications as a quick fix, Aisling advises against this perspective and suggests that only those with genuine medical needs should consider them.

"It's a last resort for individuals who struggle to lose weight through natural means," she explained.

Aisling expresses feeling fantastic on the other side of her weight loss journey. As a result of her weight reduction, she was able to undergo tube removal surgery due to a lower BMI, as well as skin removal and breast reduction surgery.

"I'm happy," she exclaimed. "It might sound odd, but I'm happier now than I have been for the last 10 years. I've regained my confidence, and I'm putting myself out there more."

One of the most significant benefits of her weight loss journey is the ability to eat without constant worry, after years of overthinking. "I no longer obsess over every food item I consume or fret about it," she said. "No one should have regrets about eating food. Life shouldn't be like that."