A woman from Bournemouth has revealed how she lost more than twice her body weight after confronting a lifelong struggle with emotional eating and finding a sustainable solution.
From Chocolate Comfort to a 23 Stone Struggle
Kirsty Ginger, a 37-year-old hearing aid audiologist, weighed 23 stone at her heaviest. Her relationship with food as a source of comfort began in childhood while growing up in Germany, where her father served in the Armed Forces.
She recalls first turning to chocolate for emotional reassurance on the day she started her period, a pattern that continued into adulthood. Festive habits from Christmas, centred on snacks and over-indulgence, gradually became part of her everyday routine.
By her early twenties, controlling her weight felt impossible. A fractured kneecap at age 21, followed by two surgeries, limited her mobility and drove her deeper into comfort eating due to stress and anxiety.
The Search for a Sustainable Solution
Kirsty found herself stuck in a cycle of yo-yo dieting and weight-loss classes. In March 2021, starting from her peak weight, she decided to seek help. Her GP referred her to classes, but the weight she lost initially returned, leaving her disheartened.
She was later referred to NHS Tier 3 weight-management services, benefiting from individual coaching that focused on small, achievable weekly changes. When the pandemic moved sessions online, she struggled without face-to-face contact.
Seeking a more lasting approach, Kirsty explored weight loss injections. She approached Oushk Pharmacy, which suggested clinically-prescribed Mounjaro (tirzepatide). The medication helped quieten persistent 'food noise' – the guilt and worry after eating – allowing her to focus on building healthier habits.
A Life Transformed and Maintained
Over a 19-month treatment period, Kirsty's weight fell from around 15 stone to approximately 11 stone. In total, she shed an incredible 12 stone from her highest weight.
Instead of just calorie counting, she learned about food composition, portion awareness, and how nutrition supports the body. She now walks three miles to work in Bournemouth with ease, whereas before she avoided journeys due to pain.
"I feel amazing. My world feels brighter and my body feels like it works again," says Kirsty, who now maintains a size 12-14. Her family have noticed a profound change in her mental health, saying the 'real Kirsty' is back.
Her advice to others is to focus on realistic, maintainable changes. "Small, sustainable habits are what truly add up over time," she explains, recommending using a side plate to help control portions naturally.
