Prue Leith's Mounjaro Weight Loss Journey: No Results at 85
Prue Leith, renowned restaurateur and judge on The Great British Bake Off, recently shared her experience with the weight-loss medication Mounjaro (Tirzepatide). Despite its growing popularity for aiding weight loss, Leith revealed that after two months of use, she did not lose any weight and experienced unpleasant side effects, including fatigue and a reduced appetite. Her husband, John Playfair, had success with the same medication, losing 28 pounds, but it also altered his lifestyle, including his alcohol consumption, which Leith noted with mixed feelings. Leith’s candid reflections highlight the importance of personalized health approaches and the challenges of balancing enjoyment with wellness, especially as we age. For Malta, a destination celebrated for its Mediterranean diet and culinary scene, her story serves as a reminder to embrace moderation and sustainable health practices. Prioritizing fresh, balanced diets and mindful eating habits aligns with Malta’s rich food culture, offering valuable lessons for both locals and visitors.
Prue Leith Shares Weight Loss Medication Experience: ‘Didn’t Shed an Ounce’
The Great British Bake Off judge and celebrated restaurateur Prue Leith recently opened up about her personal experience with weight loss medication, offering insights that resonate with anyone striving for a healthier lifestyle. At 85, the culinary icon shared her journey in a candid interview, revealing that despite trying an injectable medication named Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)—often referred to as the “King Kong” of weight-loss injections—she experienced no success.
Leith’s interest in the medication was sparked after witnessing her husband, John Playfair, lose an impressive 28 pounds while using it. Mounjaro is primarily prescribed for managing Type 2 diabetes but has gained popularity for its weight-loss benefits. However, Leith’s results were far from what she hoped for. “I did try it,” she told The Sunday Times. “I took it for two months, lost my appetite completely and didn’t shed an ounce. Nothing. Every day, I got on the scales and I still weighed exactly the same as before.”
In addition to the lack of results, Leith described unpleasant side effects that made the experience far from worthwhile. “I hated the bloody thing, and I was tired all the time, presumably because I wasn’t eating. John said I looked thinner, which I think means old and scraggy round the face. And it’s expensive. As soon as I could, I stopped. It was terrible for me,” she said.
While Leith’s husband had more success in terms of weight loss, she noted that it also impacted his lifestyle, specifically his alcohol consumption. “He hardly drinks now and I’m a great boozer,” Leith admitted. “I have two or three glasses of wine every night, and he’ll only have half a glass, which he probably won’t finish. It’s a pity.”
This revelation comes as Leith continues to reflect on her health and longevity, a topic that is increasingly relevant as we age and make choices to improve our well-being. Earlier this year, Leith shared her perspective on aging during an appearance on The Travel Diaries podcast, saying, “I haven’t got much longer. I’m 85 and I want to spend as much time as I can with [my husband, Playfair].”
As a restaurateur and food personality, Leith’s thoughts highlight the balance between enjoying life’s pleasures, like dining out or savoring a glass of wine, and maintaining physical and mental health. For readers in Malta, known for its vibrant food scene and Mediterranean lifestyle, her story serves as a reminder to embrace moderation, listen to your body, and focus on sustainable ways to stay healthy.
Leith’s experience with weight loss medication also touches on the broader conversation about finding effective, personalized approaches to health. While innovations like Mounjaro may work for some, they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution. For those in Malta considering similar avenues, it’s essential to consult healthcare professionals and prioritize natural, balanced diets rich in fresh produce, lean proteins, and healthy fats—key elements of the Mediterranean diet that has long been celebrated for promoting longevity and wellness.
In recent years, Leith has also been open about other health challenges, including hearing loss, for which she now uses hearing aids, and scaling back her work commitments to focus on quality time with loved ones. Last year, she announced her decision to step away from the celebrity edition of The Great British Bake Off, citing the intense filming schedule as a factor.
For food enthusiasts and restaurant-goers in Malta, Leith’s insights offer a valuable lesson: health and happiness often come from striking the right balance between indulgence and self-care. Whether it’s exploring Malta’s renowned culinary scene, enjoying a glass of local wine, or adopting mindful eating habits, her story encourages us to prioritize both physical and mental well-being as we savor life’s flavors.