Sir Alec Shelbrooke, a Conservative former minister, has disclosed that he has lost more than five stone in weight through the use of weight-loss injections. Sharing his story in the Commons, Sir Alec called for a shift in public attitudes towards such medication, likening their use to nicotine patches for quitting smoking.
Sir Alec, who represents Wetherby and Easingwold, candidly described his lifelong struggle with weight, attributing some of his challenges to his “addictive personality” and a reliance on sugar to sustain his demanding schedule as an MP.
‘Not a miracle drug’
Speaking during a debate on obesity, Sir Alec highlighted his recent success with the medication Wegovy, which he began using in September. “Since then, I’ve lost over five stone. I’ve gone from a 42 BMI to a 30 BMI, with a couple more stone to go,” he said. However, he stressed the importance of commitment, noting that “these are not miracle drugs.”
Sir Alec detailed how the injections helped curb his cravings, enabling him to adopt a disciplined diet. “I now do intermittent fasting, have a protein-based meal at one o’clock, a banana at five, and a small evening meal with minimal carbohydrates,” he explained. While acknowledging the side effects experienced by some users, he argued that these should not overshadow the benefits for many.
Breaking the stigma
The MP urged for greater acceptance of weight-loss medication, pointing out that society does not stigmatise the use of nicotine patches or gum. “We need to remove the stigma around using these jabs—Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro—which are helping many, including myself,” he said.
Sir Alec added that his journey involves more than just weight loss. He described his plan to transition to a sustainable calorie intake and regular exercise in the coming months. “This is a process,” he said. “The first six months are about losing the weight; the next six months will focus on fitness and normalising calorie consumption.”
Support from fellow MP’s
The debate saw cross-party support for Sir Alec’s openness. Labour MP Jas Athwal (Ilford South) praised his courage, saying: “Sir, I tip my turban to you.” Mr Athwal shared his own weight-loss experience, recounting how his doctor’s stark warning about his health spurred him to lose two stone in two months.
However, Mr Athwal also emphasised the long-term impacts of obesity, saying: “You cannot undo 20, 30, 40 years of damage. Obesity leads to other diseases and robs us of precious years with our loved ones.” He revealed his own health struggles, including an upcoming triple heart bypass surgery, due to blocked arteries.
A national obesity crisis
Health minister Andrew Gwynne commended Sir Alec’s transformation, remarking: “You look so, so healthy. I remember what you looked like before, and you’re a shadow of your former self.”
Addressing the broader issue, Mr Gwynne acknowledged the scale of the UK’s obesity crisis. “It poses serious challenges to our health, adds preventable pressure on the NHS, and restricts our economic productivity,” he said.
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The path forward
The discussion highlighted the urgency of tackling obesity and the potential role of medical interventions like weight-loss injections. Sir Alec’s testimony serves as a powerful reminder of the personal struggles many face and the importance of removing stigma around innovative solutions.
As MPs unite to address the crisis, stories like Sir Alec’s may inspire others to seek help and embrace healthier lifestyles. However, the debate also underscores the need for continued public health initiatives to combat obesity and its far-reaching consequences.
