Mel’s journey with CheqUp began after years of feeling unheard. Diagnosed with PCOS at 14, Mel, (now 45) was told she would never have children, a prediction that thankfully for Mel, proved wrong. But since then, her weight had fluctuated dramatically despite years of healthy eating and regular exercise.
GPs often dismissed her concerns, leaving her feeling judged and frustrated. Her weight took a toll on her self-esteem and confidence, and she often held back from joining in with her daughter’s activities, worried about what others might think.
Although she was generally healthy, Mel had been pre-diabetic for several years and knew that insulin resistance linked to PCOS was playing a major role in her struggles to lose weight.
Taking the first step
The turning point came when a friend shared her experience with Mounjaro online. Hearing how it had helped her manage side effects, lose weight and reverse pre-diabetes inspired Mel to learn more.
After researching Mounjaro’s effects on PCOS and reading overwhelmingly positive reviews, Mel decided to take the next step. A close friend recommended CheqUp, and after exploring the support and structure of the programme, she ordered her first pen.
CheqUp and Mounjaro have given me my life back. I am no longer pre-diabetic, my periods are regular for the first time in years, and I finally feel confident and in control.
Support that makes all the difference
From the start, Mel found the support from CheqUp to be exceptional. Her Health Coach, Kirsten, quickly became a source of encouragement and motivation. With her in-depth knowledge of women’s hormones, Kirsten provided practical guidance and emotional reassurance that made every check-in valuable.
Mel also embraced the WeightWatchers app as part of her programme. Logging her food and activity each day helped her stay accountable and focused, and it soon became a key part of her routine.
Four months in and a whole new outlook
Four months after starting treatment, Mel has dropped four dress sizes, losing over three stone. But for her, the transformation runs far deeper than the number on the scales.
Her biggest milestones so far include:
- Regular monthly periods for the first time in years
- Clearer skin and reduced hair loss
- Significantly improved blood sugar levels and no longer being pre-diabetic
- More energy, confidence and happiness
- A renewed sense of presence and control in everyday life
Mel says this has been an amazing experience and is truly life changing, allowing her to discover a new sense of freedom. She recently rode a bike for the first time in over 20 years and joined her daughter on the rapids at Centre Parcs, moments she once avoided but now embraces with joy.
Inspiring others with PCOS
While Mel hasn’t publicly shared that she has been using weight loss medication, she wants other women with PCOS to know there are effective options available. For her, this is not a quick fix, but a treatment that targets the underlying issues of PCOS and helps her live a healthier, more confident life.
Mel says she is prepared to continue with GLP-1 treatment long term if it means maintaining her health and wellbeing. Her only regret is not starting sooner. She hopes her story inspires others who have faced similar struggles to take that first step and discover how much life can change with the right support.
