**Mother Sheds Seven Stone in Twelve Months After Swapping Takeaways for Weight-Loss Injections**
A mother-of-two from Rainhill has shared her transformative weight-loss journey, revealing how she lost seven stone in a year after forgoing pricey takeaways in favour of prescription weight-loss jabs. Ashley Nickson, 35, says her life has improved dramatically, despite facing criticism online over her changed appearance.
Prior to her weight loss, Ashley, a part-time Tesco employee, tipped the scales at 17st 10lbs and wore size 18 to 20 clothing. The challenges of motherhood, particularly following the births of her children Mally, six, and Charlie, two, saw healthy habits fall by the wayside. Quick convenience meals, leftover nibbles from her children’s plates, and a reliance on takeaways became the norm – costing over £400 a month.
Ashley candidly admits that these habits, while costly, made life as a busy parent feel a little more manageable. “It became routine,” she recalls. “During the school run, I’d often swing by Costa or grab a McDonald’s. Cooking for myself just didn’t fit into the day.” Months of convenience eating, she says, snowballed over several years, eventually leaving her unhappy with her reflection.
The turning point arrived in February 2024, when Ashley stumbled upon a photograph of herself holding Charlie shortly after his birth. Disheartened by how she looked and frustrated with failed diet attempts, Ashley began researching alternatives. That’s when she discovered Mounjaro, sometimes referred to as a “fat jab”, a prescribed weekly weight-loss injection that cost her £136 a month with a discounted offer via a private provider.
Initially uncertain about the treatment, Ashley recounts her first experience with the drug in March 2024. Early side effects included a dry mouth and some nausea, but within weeks her appetite had markedly decreased – leading to her first significant weight drop. By the end of the first month, she had shed more than a stone, simply by curbing her snacking and cutting out her routine takeaway stops.
In tandem with the injections, Ashley introduced healthier home-cooked meals, turning to a meal delivery service for convenient, nutritious options. The support of her fiancé, Jack Chadwick, proved instrumental in helping her stay the course. As Ashley became more vocal about her journey online, sharing progress updates on TikTok, she referred friends to the service and earned several months’ worth of injections for free.
By March this year, Ashley had surpassed her original goal, reaching a weight of just over 10 stone and fitting comfortably into size 10 garments. The dramatic transformation has brought pride and confidence, though it has not been without challenges. Ashley has faced blunt criticism on social media, with some commentators dubiously attributing her altered appearance and “aged” face to the weight-loss injections. Trolls have accused her of looking “15 years older”, with particular focus on the loose skin left behind by rapid weight loss.
While such comments have been relentless at times, Ashley remains undeterred. “I can always get Botox,” she jokes. “Yes, maybe I look older in some people’s eyes—but I’ve gained years in my life and confidence.” She also points out the financial benefits: “I’ve saved so much by giving up expensive takeaways and investing in my health instead.”
Ashley acknowledges that cravings for sweet treats do occasionally reappear, but insists her relationship with food is now far healthier. The once-routine school-run indulgences have been replaced with forward planning and a mindful approach to eating.
Now an advocate for medical weight-loss support, Ashley encourages others struggling with their weight to consider seeking help. “If people saw me in real life, they wouldn’t say I look older,” she asserts. “I’m extremely proud and confident. The jab changed my life – I can enjoy my time with my family more than ever before.”
Her story provides an insight into the contemporary challenges of balancing parenthood with personal well-being—while also highlighting how new weight-loss treatments can offer an alternative solution for those who have struggled with traditional dieting. Despite encountering negativity online, Ashley’s journey underlines her commitment to self-improvement and serves as an inspiration to many facing similar struggles.