Broadcaster and entrepreneur Saira Khan, 55, used to believe that 'food noise' was merely a lack of self-control and that weight-loss medication was for those without willpower. However, after hitting her fifties, her perspective shifted dramatically. In an interview with Victoria Young, she discusses the challenging aspects of her journey and whether those intrusive eating thoughts persist.
A Natural Approach to Health
Khan has always prioritised natural health methods, running an organic skincare business, exercising regularly, and eating healthily. She even spent a year healing a herniated disc naturally rather than opting for a steroid injection. But entering her fifties brought significant physiological changes. Now 56, she is navigating menopause and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Despite her efforts, she noticed her fitness plateaued and she suffered from severe bloating, often looking nine months pregnant by day's end. Concerned, she sought a comprehensive blood test with hormone doctor Dr Suzanne Hooper early this year.
The results were alarming: as a 5ft 1in South Asian woman, her BMI was 29, she weighed 70 kilograms, and her cholesterol was elevated. With a family history of cholesterol-related disease and her father's death from a heart attack at 60, Khan realised ethnicity and menopause affect health differently. Expecting advice to simply stop snacking, she was shocked when Dr Hooper recommended GLP-1 medications to manage her weight.
Overcoming Judgement
Khan admits she was initially judgemental about weight-loss drugs, viewing them as extreme and for those lacking control. However, hearing a professional describe them as medication for health, rather than a 'skinny jab,' changed her perception. The doctor warned of potential side effects, including up to 40% muscle loss, pancreatitis from rapid weight loss, and hair loss without proper nutrition. Strict instructions were given: a 2.5mg dose, 80 grams of protein daily, high fibre, at least 2 litres of water, regular strength training, and adequate sleep. Khan followed this advice rigorously and experienced no nausea or constipation.
She now realises that what she once dismissed as 'food noise' was real; she used to snack out of boredom and couldn't have tea without a biscuit. Even healthy foods were consumed in excess, affecting her cholesterol. With the medication suppressing her appetite, she sets alarms to eat every three to four hours to ensure essential nutrients. Her diet now includes four eggs with avocado or cottage cheese for breakfast, chicken or tuna with salad for lunch and dinner, minimal bread, and limited sugar. She focuses on protein and fibre rather than calories.
Building Healthy Habits
Khan is transparent with her teenage children and family about her medication use, aiming to destigmatise it. Her family has adopted similar eating habits, and she feels happier and more relaxed. She deliberately loses weight slowly, prioritising health over skinniness. The hardest part, she says, is the nutrition, given her busy schedule running a business and caring for her family. She sought advice from a qualified nutritionist and uses services like Green Chef for nutrient-rich meals.
While the scales haven't moved dramatically, her shape is changing, bloating is gone, and she has more energy. She fits into size 10 jeans again, boosting her confidence. Her goal is to reach a BMI of 22 and weight of 55kg, then come off the drug. She acknowledges the risk of regaining weight but believes those who fail didn't establish good habits. Khan is on a mission to break stigma around GLP-1 use, emphasising it is medicine, not a fashion accessory, and can be life-changing when supervised properly.
