I put my 11-year-old daughter on fat jabs after she got bullied for her weight – people judge me but I don't care
Ashley Hamilton appeared on Monday's instalment of This Morning via video call from
4
A mother has revealed that she put her 11-year-old daughter on fat jabs to help her lose weight
Credit: ITV
4
Ashley Hamilton revealed all on yesterday's episode of This Morning
Credit: ITV
4
She addressed what she thinks on receiving backlash
Credit: ITV
4
This Morning's resident GP Dr Zoe Williams shared her thoughts
Credit: Rex
But it's not just Ashley's daughter Sophia who has taken the weight loss jabs to help her with their health - Ashley has too.
On yesterday's episode, the young girl opened up about her personal experience with her weight and bullying at school, which led her to approach her mum for help.
She said: 'The bullying was definitely not ideal at all, it was just very hard to deal with because I used to think I was pretty and now I can't look at myself in the mirror without hating myself.'
To this, Dermot asked: 'Ashley it's important to stress here, you have always instilled exercise, you've always instilled a good diet and it was just very, very difficult to keep the weight off.
Read more on fat jabs
'How hard was it for you to make that decision for Sophia to take the
In response, Ashley admitted it 'wasn't hard at all'.
She added: 'When she came to me and asked if this would work for her I told her yes, but we have to get your blood work done and your labs done to make sure there is an underlying problem, because if there was nothing showing right then that is something that we would've said, 'Okay, this is diet and exercise type of thing'.
'But it wasn't hard at all for me to decide that.'
Most read in Fabulous
The mother stressed that she had done research on the
When Sophia began to take the jabs, she soon noticed her mum had to remind her 'constantly' to eat.
Sun Health Explainer: Fat jabs
Despite this, now she can wear clothes similar to her pals, as she added: 'And then I started to lose weight and then I started to realise I actually had a lot of inflammation in my face and arms and in my hands.
'Now I can wear normal sizes for my age.'
Dealing with people who I can tell are judging me but it doesn't bother me
Ashley Hamilton
Following this, Alison asked Ashley if she had received any backlash for her decision to take
To this, the mum admitted: 'A lot of people deal with backlash on social media from people but for me it's actually been more in my real life.
'Dealing with people who I can tell are judging me but it doesn't bother me.
'It's a way for me to educate more people on what the reason is that I started.'
Sophia is now no longer on the injections and during the conversation, This Morning's resident GP
Dr Zoe acknowledged: 'The thing to consider, Sophia's a perfect example of this, Sophie already had insulin resistance and her blood work was showing that she had pre-diabetes.
Everything you need to know about fat jabs
Weight loss jabs are all the rage as studies and patient stories reveal they help people shed flab at almost unbelievable rates, as well as appearing to reduce the risk of serious diseases.
Wegovy – a modified version of type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic – and Mounjaro are the leading weight loss injections used in the UK.
Wegovy, real name semaglutide, has been used on the NHS for years while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a newer and more powerful addition to the market.
Mounjaro accounts for most private prescriptions for weight loss and is set to join Wegovy as an NHS staple this year.
How do they work?
The jabs work by suppressing your appetite, making you eat less so your body burns fat for energy instead and you lose weight.
They do this my mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which signals to the brain when the stomach is full, so the drugs are officially called GLP-1 receptor agonists.
They slow down digestion and increase insulin production, lowering blood sugar, which is why they were first developed to treat type 2 diabetes in which patients' sugar levels are too high.
Can I get them?
NHS prescriptions of weight loss drugs, mainly Wegovy and an older version called Saxenda (chemical name liraglutide), are controlled through specialist weight loss clinics.
Typically a patient will have to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, classifying them as medically obese, and also have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure.
GPs generally do not prescribe the drugs for weight loss.
Private prescribers offer the jabs, most commonly Mounjaro, to anyone who is obese (BMI of 30+) or overweight (BMI 25-30) with a weight-related health risk.
Private pharmacies have been rapped for handing them out too easily and video calls or face-to-face appointments are now mandatory to check a patient is being truthful about their size and health.
Are there any risks?
Yes – side effects are common but most are relatively mild.
Around half of people taking the drug experience gut issues, including sickness, bloating, acid reflux, constipation and diarrhoea.
Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and clinical consultant at patient.info, said: 'One of the more uncommon side effects is severe acute pancreatitis, which is extremely painful and happens to one in 500 people.'
Other uncommon side effects include altered taste, kidney problems, allergic reactions, gallbladder problems and hypoglycemia.
Evidence has so far been inconclusive about whether the injections are damaging to patients' mental health.
Figures obtained by The Sun show that, up to January 2025, 85 patient deaths in the UK were suspected to be linked to the medicines.
'What you always have to consider is the risks and potential risks of a medication but weigh that against the risks and potential risks of doing nothing.
"Wen you've tried all the sensible things - the exercise, the changes to eating, the psychological approach - for some people like Sophia and her mum it's a genetic thing.
'Your genes predispose you to having problems with your weight.
'In Sophia's case it seems it's been really helpful for her.'
Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme -
Sun Club
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
I lost seven stone WITHOUT Mounjaro – here's three very simple things I've done that have helped me slim down & tone up
A MOTHER has revealed that she lost seven stone without using Mounjaro. According to Lucy, instead of injecting herself with Advertisement 2 A savvy mum has shared the three healthy habits she followed which enabled her to lose seven stone Credit: TikTok/@lucy52915 2 Instead of using Mounjaro, Lucy, who is from the UK, swears by eating right and exercising to tone up Credit: TikTok/@lucy52915 Posting on social media, the mum, who is from the UK, gave her followers a before and after look at her Rather than forking out the cash and travelling abroad for And not only does she look incredible, but people are struggling to believe she is the same person as the woman in her 'before' photos. The stunner, who has slimmed down and is now '7 stone lighter' attributes her Advertisement Read more on weight loss Lucy explained that she is breastfeeding, so isn't able to use Mounjaro. As a result, she took matters into her own hands She confirmed that she consumes 180g of protein every day, as well as 27g to 30g of fiber. When it comes to walking, the savvy mum stressed the importance of doing 10,000 steps every single day, which she has been doing since 1st September 2024. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous And when she's not walking, she's exercising in the gym. According to this content creator, who believes strongly in being consistent, if you want to feel your best and lose weight, lifting weights is key. I'm a 'former fatty' who lost 12 stone WITHOUT jabs - being slim means I don't have to eat in the car to avoid judgement This mother confirmed that she goes to the After putting the effort in, less than a year since kicking off her health and fitness journey, Lucy has now reached her goal weight and doesn't want to lose any more. Advertisement The NHS 12-step plan to help you lose weight FROM faddy diets to dodgy detoxes - most of us have heard it all before when it comes to weight loss. But burning fat can be easy and mostly free. In fact, the NHS has a whole load of medically-approved tips for weight loss and shedding body fat once and for all... Don't skip breakfast Skipping breakfast will not help you lose weight. You could miss out on essential nutrients and you may end up snacking more throughout the day because you feel hungry. Eat regular meals Eating at regular times during the day helps burn calories at a faster rate. It also reduces the temptation to snack on foods high in fat and sugar. Eat plenty of fruit and veg Fruit and veg are low in calories and fat, and high in fibre – 3 essential ingredients for successful weight loss. They also contain plenty of vitamins and minerals. Get more active Being active is key to losing weight and keeping it off. As well as providing lots of health benefits, exercise can help burn off the excess calories you cannot lose through diet alone. Drink lots of water People sometimes confuse thirst with hunger. You can end up consuming extra calories when a glass of water is really what you need. Eat high fibre foods Foods containing lots of fibre can help keep you feeling full, which is perfect for losing weight. Fibre is only found in food from plants, such as fruit and veg, oats, wholegrain bread, brown rice and pasta, and beans, peas and lentils. Read food labels Knowing how to read food labels can help you choose healthier options. Use the calorie information to work out how a particular food fits into your daily calorie allowance on the weight loss plan. Use a smaller plate Using smaller plates can help you eat smaller portions. By using smaller plates and bowls, you may be able to gradually get used to eating smaller portions without going hungry. It takes about 20 minutes for the stomach to tell the brain it's full, so eat slowly and stop eating before you feel full. Don't ban foods Do not ban any foods from your weight loss plan, especially the ones you like. Banning foods will only make you crave them more. There's no reason you cannot enjoy the occasional treat as long as you stay within your daily calorie allowance. Don't stock junk food To avoid temptation, do not stock junk food – such as chocolate, biscuits, crisps and sweet fizzy drinks – at home. Instead, opt for healthy snacks, such as fruit, unsalted rice cakes, oat cakes, unsalted or unsweetened popcorn, and fruit juice. Cut down on alcohol A standard glass of wine can contain as many calories as a piece of chocolate. Over time, drinking too much can easily contribute to weight gain. Plan your meals Try to plan your breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks for the week, making sure you stick to your calorie allowance. You may find it helpful to make a weekly shopping list. Social media users gush Her TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ Social media users were gobsmacked by Lucy's Wow!! You look like a younger version of Jennifer Aniston now. Very well done TikTok user One person said: 'You can tell this is natural too. No Another added: 'That is an amazing achievement. You should be so proud of yourself.' Advertisement How cutting out sugar can help you lose weight It might sound obvious, but cutting out sugar can help you lose weight - and this is why Reduced alorie intake : Sugar is calorie-dense but not nutrient-dense, meaning it provides a lot of calories without making you feel full. By cutting out sugar, you naturally reduce your overall caloric intake, which can create a calorie deficit and lead to weight loss. Lower Insulin Levels : Consuming sugar, especially in large amounts, causes spikes in blood sugar levels, leading to increased insulin production. Insulin is a hormone that promotes fat storage. By reducing sugar intake, you can help stabilize blood sugar and insulin levels, making it easier for your body to burn fat. Decreased Cravings : Sugar can be addictive and lead to cravings for more sugary foods. By cutting it out, you may find that your cravings for unhealthy, high-calorie foods decrease, making it easier to stick to a healthier diet. Improved Satiety : Foods high in sugar are often low in fiber and protein, which are essential for feeling full and satisfied. By replacing sugary foods with more nutrient-dense options like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, you can increase your satiety and reduce overall calorie consumption. Better Nutrient Intake : When you cut out sugary foods, you often make room for more nutritious foods. This can improve your overall diet quality, providing your body with the vitamins and minerals it needs to function optimally, which can support weight loss efforts. Reduced Fat Storage : High sugar intake, particularly from fructose, can lead to increased fat production in the liver, contributing to weight gain and obesity. Cutting out sugar helps to reduce this effect. Enhanced Metabolism : Reducing sugar can improve metabolic health, including better insulin sensitivity and lower risk of metabolic syndrome, which can facilitate weight loss. By cutting out sugar and replacing it with healthier options, you can create a more balanced and sustainable diet that supports weight loss and overall well-being. A third commented: 'Wow you look amazing!! Well done.' At the same time, one user gushed: 'Wow!! You look like a younger version of Jennifer Aniston now. Very well done.' Meanwhile, someone else gasped: 'If that's the same person fair play.' Advertisement To this, Lucy wrote back and confirmed: 'Yep it's me.' Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- The Irish Sun
I've gone from a size 18 to an 8 in 9 months on Mounjaro & still losing weight, I was sick for weeks but it was worth it
A WOMAN who has managed to shift over six stone thanks to Mounjaro has shared the side effects she suffered. Sophie Barrella took to social media to share her 2 Sophie Barrella started taking the weight loss jab nine months ago Credit: Facebook 2 Depsite having side effects, she said it was so worth it for the weight loss Credit: Facebook The mum said she started her She started her journey at 15.7st and a size 18, and in less than a year has gone down to a size 8. In the image, the mum could be seen with her partner and child before losing weight. She wore a one-sleeve dress and was turned to the side and looked obviously larger. READ MORE ON WEIGHT LOSS JABS But now, in the pictures of her weight loss, the mum wore a tight fitting pink dress to show off her new body and beamed at the camera. She captioned the post: "9 months later and I'm down 6 and a half stone! "Finished June 2025 at current 9 stone 3 and still loosing! Size 8. "Worth every penny and side effect I suffered!!" Most read in Fabulous In the comments of the Facebook post, Sophie shared just some of the side effects she suffered from. She wrote: "I found I had headaches from 5mg, then the nausea crept in. Then from 7.5 and 10mg I have had constant grumbling in my stomach, so badly it wakes me up every single night for the next 4 days after injecting and I would have sickness 3-4 times a night. I've lost nearly 6 stone in 9 months on fat jabs - trolls call me 'lazy' & say it's the 'easy way out' but I don't care "Could only sleep on my back because when I was on my side the gas in my stomach would gurgle so loudly and caused me a lot of pain, but again, only 4 days after injecting! Then I would be okay until jab day. "Was honestly worth it all. If you're thinking about it, just go for it! Will change your life." The post was shared on the Facebook group, Mounjaro Ozempic Wegovy weight loss support, where those on the weight loss jabs come together to support each other. Many were quick to congratulate Sophie on her weight loss. One person wrote: "How have you not managed to have excess skin. You look amazing." Another commented: "Well done!" "Well done fantastic achievement," penned a third. What to do if you lose too much weight too quickly whilst on Mounjaro IF you're losing too much weight too quickly while on Mounjaro, it's important to take action to avoid potential health risks like muscle loss, malnutrition, dehydration, and fatigue. Here's what you can do: Evaluate Your Caloric Intake Mounjaro reduces appetite, which can make it easy to eat too little. If you're losing weight too fast (more than two to three lbs per week after the initial adjustment period), try: Tracking your food intake to ensure you're eating enough calories (apps like MyFitnessPal can help). Increasing protein intake to preserve muscle mass (aim for 0.6–1g per pound of body weight). Adding healthy fats and complex carbs (e.g., avocados, nuts, whole grains) for balanced energy. Adjust Your Dosage (With Doctor's Approval) If your weight loss is too rapid or causing side effects, your doctor may: Pause dose increases or lower your dosage. Adjust your treatment plan to stabilise your weight loss. Strength Training & Exercise To prevent muscle loss: Incorporate resistance training at least two to three times per week. Stay active with low-impact exercises like walking or yoga. Hydrate & Manage Electrolytes Drink enough water (Mounjaro can reduce thirst). Electrolytes matter - Consider adding magnesium, sodium, and potassium if you feel weak or fatigued. Monitor for Malnutrition & Deficiencies Rapid weight loss can cause vitamin/mineral deficiencies (especially B12, iron, and electrolytes). If you experience: Fatigue, hair loss, or dizziness, ask your doctor about supplements. Consider Further Medical Guidance If your weight loss is excessive or causing health concerns, speak with your healthcare provider. They might adjust your dosage, diet, or exercise plan to help stabilise your weight loss. Meanwhile a fourth said: "You look stunning!" "You look amazing,' claimed a fifth Someone else added: "Gorgeous!"
RTÉ News
4 days ago
- RTÉ News
Jesy Nelson says she could not 'enjoy' her pregnancy due to health complications
Former Little Mix star Jesy Nelson has said she could not "enjoy" her pregnancy due to a string of health complications. The 34-year-old singer gave birth birth to twins Ocean Jade and Story Monroe in May, after documenting pregnancy complications on her social media including twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). According to the NHS, TTTS affects 10% to 15% of identical twins who share a placenta and "can have serious consequences". Speaking on ITV's This Morning, Nelson said: "I couldn't believe the percentages and what could potentially happen to them. "I almost felt like, from that point, I couldn't really enjoy my pregnancy because I was just constantly worried that something was going to happen. "I actually had a threatened miscarriage quite early on as well and from then I was like, I don't even want to announce it (the pregnancy). "When I think back to it now it makes me feel so sad because its like, when you're pregnant, that should be like the happiest time of your life." TTTS is caused by abnormal connecting blood vessels in the placenta which leads to an imbalanced blood flow from one twin to the other, leaving one with a greater blood volume than the other. One treatment involves using a laser to burn away the blood vessels in the placenta that are causing the unequal flow. Nelson said she was scanned weekly and monitored closely, but within a matter of days her symptoms had changed drastically and she had to undergo the emergency procedure. She said: "There were symptoms to look out for, it was like, if your belly gets really tight, like a drum, if you're struggling with your breathing. "And two days after my scan, we'd gone to the park, and I couldn't even walk because I was just so out of breath. But it's so hard when you're pregnant with twins as well, because what is normal and what's not? "I was just like, well, I've got twins, of course I'm going to be out of breath and of course my belly is going to be really tough, I am growing two humans. "And then it was thanks to Zion, actually, that I said to him, 'Can you feel my belly? Because I've actually got so used to feeling like this, I don't know what's normal any more'." The twins' father, musician Zion Foster, said: "It felt like overnight we literally went from pre-stage to like, you have to have the procedure now. And that procedure is not even guaranteed to work. And I think that was another thing that was terrifying." After spending more than 10 weeks in hospital after the procedure, Nelson gave birth to the twins 31 weeks and five days early on 15 May. The singer is best known as a former member of pop group Little Mix, rising to fame after winning The X Factor in 2011. The group, which included Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Perrie Edwards and Jade Thirlwall, were behind chart-topping singles including Cannonball, Shout Out To My Ex and Wings. Nelson left the band in December 2020 and has since released two songs as a solo artist – Boyz, which featured US rapper Nicki Minaj, in 2021 and Bad Thing in 2023. She will feature in a new Prime Video docuseries, Jesy Nelson: Life After Little Mix, which will follow her through her pregnancy and take a closer look at her decision to leave the girl group.
