Former EastEnders star Nina Wadia has opened up about her impressive two-stone weight loss journey, attributing her success to consistent daily movement rather than relying on pharmaceutical interventions. The actress, best known for playing Zainab Masood on the BBC soap between 2007 and 2013, appeared on Tuesday's episode of ITV's Good Morning Britain to discuss her healthier lifestyle with hosts Ed Balls and Susanna Reid.
A Gradual and Sustainable Approach
Nina, 57, revealed that her transformation has been a deliberate three-year process focused on gradual, sustainable changes. She emphasised that losing the weight slowly has been key to keeping it off long-term. 'It's been an ongoing project because I want it to stay off,' she explained during the interview, countering the modern assumption that significant weight loss must involve injections like Ozempic or Mounjaro.
Navigating Health After Fifty
The actress shared that reaching her fifties served as a wake-up call regarding metabolic changes and preventative health. 'Once I turned 50, I got letters from the NHS... for diabetes checks, cholesterol checks,' Nina recounted. 'It's because once you hit that age, for me, it's like I have no metabolic rate. I have to be so careful about making sure that I move every single day. The day you don't move, you put on a pound!'
Daily Movement as Foundation
Nina's core philosophy revolves around incorporating consistent physical activity into daily life, regardless of intensity or duration. She champions the National Lottery-funded This Girl Can campaign, which encourages women of all ages and sizes to embrace movement. 'It doesn't matter what age you are, or what size you are, as long as you are moving every day. Even a ten-minute walk every day. It will work wonders for you,' she advised.
Practical Tips for Mental and Physical Health
Beyond physical benefits, Nina highlighted the profound impact of walking on mental wellbeing. 'Walking for mental health is an incredible thing to do,' she stated, suggesting social walks as a powerful combination. 'Women like to chat, we love a gossip. Go out for a walk with a friend... your mood changes, you feel better about yourself, and it's working against calorie intake.'
Perspective on Weight Loss Injections
While Nina personally advocates for natural methods, she acknowledged that weight loss jabs can serve a purpose for those with clinical need. 'I think jabs, if it is something you need to do because you are in need of it, obese... I think it's important that yes, you do go down that route as a kickstarter,' she clarified. However, she maintains that sustainable lifestyle changes are essential for lasting results, describing quick fixes as ineffective.
Broader Context of Injection Usage
Nina's comments come amid growing national conversation about weight loss medications. Originally developed for diabetes management, drugs like Mounjaro and Ozempic mimic gut hormones to increase fullness and reduce appetite. Approximately 2.5 million Britons are now estimated to be using such injections. Notably, a pioneering trial in Greater Manchester is prescribing Mounjaro to 3,000 overweight individuals to assess impacts on employment and sickness absence, following studies showing potential for substantial weight reduction.
Through her advocacy with This Girl Can and candid television appearances, Nina Wadia continues to promote a balanced message: that daily movement, dietary mindfulness, and patience can yield transformative health benefits without necessarily resorting to medical interventions.
