It has been almost four years now since Caroline Balazs launched SkinnyJab and began promoting a weight loss programme that saw her shed three stone herself.
Caroline, now 51, an advanced nurse practitioner, with more than 30 years in neuro intensive care, critical and primary care, had been struggling to lose weight.
“I was hitting the menopause and nothing I did worked, it felt like my metabolism was going in reverse,” she recalls.
“I tried everything: not eating, other diets, exercising but I hit a brick wall because it was hormones.”
Finally losing weight
Caroline, who had gained around three stone and jumped from a size eight or 10 up to a 14 or 16, had just come out of a relationship and was struggling with her self-esteem.
“I really was at my wits end,” she remembers.
“I told a pharmacist and she suggested I try this drug called Saxenda. Six weeks later I realised there was something in it – it changed my life.”
Used in the treatment of diabetes, the drug, which is administered via an automatic, pen dispenser, suppresses the appetite.
“We spent six months trialling it on people we knew,” Caroline says.
“I was working in a fertility clinic at the time and the consultant said it would be useful for women who need to reduce their weight to give the IVF a better chance of working.
“So, we worked with it to help them get their BMI under 30, when their chances of conceiving would double.”
How to lose weight differently
When SkinnyJab was launched in February 2017, it was with the aim of offering more than simply a weight loss drug, Caroline insists.
“What makes us different from others offering this drug is that it is not the whole picture for us. We have a full support programme – we only use the drug as a bit of leverage.
“Taking the drug means you don’t have the desire for the sweet and fatty foods and, once you lose a bit of weight, you start to feel better about yourself.”
Patients are given a SkinnyJab package, which also includes a dietary plan and workouts.
“We have five clinicians, all qualified to my standard, to offer support,” she adds.
Losing weight and keeping it off
Four years on, Caroline has maintained her own weight loss.
“If you starve yourself on a diet, the body goes into conservation mode and the minute you go back eating normally you pile all the weight on – and more,” she says.
“This drug keeps your blood sugar normal, so you don’t feel hungry – the science behind it is incredible, which is we have been so successful with it.”
How can I lose weight fast before Christmas?
As Christmas approaches and those concerned about their weight and excess belly fat start to worry about how to cope, Caroline has plenty of tips to offer.
“Our advice would be that there is still time to lose a few pounds and even drop a dress size on our programme – but then enjoy Christmas,” she says.
“We don’t recommend doing the programme during a holiday or over Christmas.”
Top tips for managing weight over Christmas
Over Christmas it is about eating in moderation and keeping things on track – while also allowing yourself some treats.
“Even if you stopped our plan shortly before Christmas the effects of the drug will still be in your system and won’t allow you to overeat,” she explains.
“This is all about moderation, turning your lifestyle around and preventing problems in the future.
“It is about enjoying smaller amounts of quality food – you don’t have to eat rabbit food and shakes to lose weight.
“Here in Cheshire we enjoy nicely made little dishes and you can still enjoy those on our diet and over Christmas. After all, food is meant to be enjoyed.”
To book a consultation or to find out more, visit skinnyjab.co.uk or call the 24/7 call centre on 0800 955 6888 or 0161 907 6942.
