From Food Addiction to Weight Loss: Portia’s Mounjaro Journey
Portia Devine, a 35-year-old project manager from Ely, Cambridgeshire, transformed her life by overcoming emotional eating and losing nearly six stone with the help of Mounjaro, a prescription weight-loss injection. Struggling with weight and self-esteem since childhood, Portia’s breakthrough came in April 2025, when the medication helped curb her constant thoughts about food, enabling her to lose weight consistently and achieve a healthy BMI. She now focuses on nutrient-rich meals and remains active through walking and Pilates, despite no longer having a gym membership. Portia’s mindset shift—viewing food as fuel rather than a reward—was key to her success. Her story offers inspiration for those in Malta, emphasizing mindful eating, affordable physical activity, and small, sustainable steps toward better health. For readers in Malta, incorporating fresh, locally sourced ingredients and embracing the island’s outdoor lifestyle can support similar transformations.
“From Food Addiction to Freedom: How Mounjaro Helped Portia Shed Nearly Six Stone”
Living a healthy lifestyle is about more than just physical fitness—it’s about finding balance, building confidence, and creating habits that support mental and emotional well-being. For Portia Devine, a 35-year-old project manager from Ely, Cambridgeshire, her journey to achieving this balance was deeply intertwined with her struggles with food, weight, and self-esteem. Her story sheds light on how innovative treatments like Mounjaro injections can transform lives, offering hope for those battling emotional eating and the challenges of maintaining a healthy weight.
In 2022, Portia weighed her heaviest at 14st 7lbs (92.1kg) with a body mass index (BMI) of 38.4, placing her in the obese category. Standing at 5ft 1in (154.9cm), she wore size 18 clothing and felt trapped in a cycle of emotional eating and low self-confidence. “I’ve been overweight since I was 10, when I had my first period, and I put weight on almost overnight,” she shared. “I felt very low, my self-esteem was rock bottom, and I would try to hide myself with baggy clothes. I felt like I couldn’t dress the way I wanted, because nothing looked good on me.”
Her struggles were compounded by anxiety, which Portia said affected her throughout her life and made her weight challenges even harder to manage. Emotional eating became a way to cope with stressful situations, such as breakups or feelings of loneliness. “I felt like my body was telling me I was hungry even though I shouldn’t be—I felt like I was fighting my body,” she explained. Despite trying various diets, from WeightWatchers to intense calorie counting, and exercising three times a week, her weight plateaued at 12st (76.2kg) by early 2025.
It wasn’t until Portia began using Mounjaro, a prescription weight-loss medication, in April 2025 that she experienced a breakthrough. Mounjaro is an injectable treatment designed to reduce hunger and induce a feeling of fullness, helping people regain control over their eating habits. For Portia, the effects were almost immediate. “The constant thoughts about food instantly disappeared,” she said. “It felt like a weight off my shoulders, to be honest, and just a huge relief.”
Within the first week, Portia lost 5lbs (2.3kg), followed by 3lbs (1.4kg) in the second week. Since then, she has consistently lost an average of 2lbs (0.9kg) per week, bringing her weight down to 8st 11lbs (55.8kg)—a healthy BMI of 23.2 and size eight clothing. This transformation wasn’t just physical; it was deeply emotional and mental. “I stopped having anxiety about my weight and slowly felt more confident and happier,” she said. “It’s changed my life—I can’t believe how well it has worked.”
Portia now prioritizes protein and fiber in her meals, enjoying nutrient-rich breakfasts like yogurt with flaxseeds and peanut butter, homemade soups for lunch, and balanced dinners such as low-fat cottage pie. Her approach resonates with Malta’s emphasis on fresh Mediterranean produce, whole grains, and lean proteins—key components of the island’s famed cuisine and its reputation for promoting health and longevity. For readers in Malta, incorporating locally sourced ingredients such as fresh fish, legumes, and seasonal vegetables into daily meals can be a practical way to emulate Portia’s dietary success.
Although she no longer has a gym membership due to the monthly cost of her Mounjaro injections (£210), Portia remains active by walking daily and attending Pilates classes. Her experience highlights the importance of finding affordable and sustainable ways to stay physically active—a principle that aligns with Malta’s thriving outdoor lifestyle. Whether hiking scenic trails in Mellieħa or taking a sunset stroll along the Sliema promenade, embracing movement doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.
Another key aspect of Portia’s journey was shifting her mindset around food. “Food used to feel like an addiction—I was always thinking about it and I’d be hungry straight after eating for no reason,” she explained. “Now, I view food as fuel. It’s still enjoyable, but I don’t use it as a reward anymore.” This perspective is valuable for anyone trying to build a healthier relationship with eating. For diners in Malta, mindful eating can transform how we experience the island’s culinary treasures, from savoring traditional dishes like rabbit stew (fenek) to enjoying fresh seafood along Marsaxlokk’s waterfront.
Portia’s weight loss wasn’t entirely without challenges. She experienced nausea as a side effect of the medication but managed it effectively with acupressure bands, highlighting the importance of addressing obstacles with practical solutions. As of now, she’s planning to slowly wean herself off Mounjaro under the guidance of her pharmacist once she reaches her goal weight of 8st 7lb (53.9kg). “I feel confident that I can keep the weight off—I think I’ve built up healthy habits and my whole mindset around food has changed,” she said.
For those in Malta considering weight-loss treatments or striving for healthier habits, Portia’s story serves as inspiration. Her advice is simple yet powerful: “If I can do it, anyone can. I’d recommend the jabs—it changed my entire life.” Whether it’s through medication, mindful eating, or embracing Malta’s active lifestyle, the journey to better health often begins with small, manageable steps that lead to lasting change.