Ingredients on a countertop to make spinach and lentil soup

What Losing 38kg Actually Taught Michelle C About Herself

Last modified by Oviva · Checked by Oviva ·

Michelle, from St Ives, has made a truly remarkable transformation on her weight loss journey. With the support of Oviva’s Tier 3 weight management programme and the right combination of medication and coaching, she’s lost over 6 stone, dropping from 25st 9lb to 19st 9lb, and she’s feeling better than ever.

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How It All Started

I first heard about Oviva through my doctor after going for a routine health check, where I was told I had high blood pressure. I was referred to a local weight management programme first, but I found it really difficult. I’m not a fan of public speaking, and that kind of group setting just wasn’t for me.

I knew my problem wasn’t a lack of knowledge. I know what good food and bad food is. My issue was my appetite.

I needed support that went deeper than a list of what to eat and what to avoid.

Woman taking a photo of her meal to add to the Oviva food diary app

My GP mentioned there might be a bit of a wait, but the process was much smoother than I expected. I was referred in November and started in January,a couple of months, which felt very manageable for an NHS accredited service. I’d tried other weight management programmes before, and they were hit and miss. I didn’t come to Oviva with high expectations, but I was ready to give it a proper go.

Life on the Programme
The difference has been a mixture of everything coming together. Knowing I have support available all the time has been huge for me. The app is brilliant, I find it genuinely interesting tracking what I eat each day and seeing the patterns. It’s not just about being told what to do; it’s about understanding yourself.

I’ve lost over 6 stone, and honestly, it feels amazing. Looking back, I hadn’t fully realised how much weight I was carrying. It wasn’t until people around me started noticing the change that it really hit home. That’s not a small shift. That’s a different life.

I’ve gone from a size 32 to a size 24.

When I look at old photos of myself now, I think: I never want to go back there. And I won’t.

The health impact has been real and measurable. My blood pressure, which first brought me to the doctor’s attention, has come down significantly. But it’s not just the numbers, it’s how I feel day to day.

I’ve got so much more energy now, and I can move so much more freely. Bending down, keeping up, getting through the day, things that used to take effort just don’t anymore. And my confidence has changed completely. I used to be so self-conscious. I’d shy away from social situations, avoid parties, feel uncomfortable just being in a room. That’s not who I am now.

Do your research, but do it.

That’s what I’d say. This programme will change your life. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done.

It won’t always be plain sailing. I had some side effects early on, feeling a little nauseous at times, but they passed. The weight loss injections are a real help, but the most important thing is sticking to a routine, and that’s exactly what Oviva supports you to do. You have to have persistence, but if you do, you will reap the rewards.

 

Ready to start your weight loss journey?

If you have a BMI of 35 or higher with a weight-related health condition, you may qualify for Oviva’s NHS-funded weight management programme, which includes:

  • A personalised, science-backed plan tailored to your goals
  • Remote, ongoing support from doctors, dietitians, and health coaches – all from the comfort of home
  • A simple, easy-to-use app to track meals, goals, and progress
  • Potential access to NHS-covered weight loss medication, delivered straight to your door

Eligibility criteria varies depending on your location in England.

How to access NHS-funded weight loss