The research looked at the suggestion that now there’s a “cure” for obesity, there’s no longer any excuse to be overweight. So that people not using the medication will be judged for not using it, just as they’re being judged for using it! Talk about a no win situation.

Let’s be clear — using weight-loss jabs is not an easy decision. These are medications with risks, side effects, and serious implications. It’s not a magic wand, and for many, it’s a choice made after years of struggle. There is also the cost issue, especially with the huge price hike that has just been brought in. This is on top of people worried about if or when they should ever come off the jab, and what will happen if they do.

But here’s what’s happening: people who don’t use jabs often see those who do as taking the “easy route” — skipping the hard work and discipline. There’s a moral high ground attached to doing it the “natural way” which adds guilt and shame into the mix. The thing is, all weight loss is challenging, whether it involves medication or not.

The truth? Willpower alone won’t give you lasting results. In reality it should be re-named Won’t-power as it isn’t long lasting and the more you try and force yourself to do something, in this case lose weight, the more you’ll tend to resist.  That’s your pesky brain coming into play!  Relying solely on medication isn’t a great plan either. Sustainable weight loss requires more than just reducing calories — it’s about understanding how your body works, making long-term changes to your diet, behaviour, and mindset.

We saw this with gastric bands. People would blend Mars bars or high-fat foods, bypassing the purpose of the surgery altogether. The result? Poor health outcomes and disappointment.

Now we’re seeing something similar with jabs. People celebrating how little they’re eating, proud of skipping meals, ignoring hunger cues — and then wondering why their energy is low, their skin is sagging, and they feel awful. Sometimes dangerously so.

The weight didn’t appear overnight, so why expect it to disappear in record time?

I understand the relief many feel when the “food noise” quietens. I’ve had food noise for years — I didn’t even realise it had a name, I just assumed everyone had it! I’ve battled with my weight too, tipping the scales at 14½ stone and nearly a size 20. That was in 2002/3 — my breaking point.

I joined WW back when options were limited and I was juggling a hectic job travelling across the UK. I made a decision that this wasn’t a quick fix. It had to fit my life, for life. No crash diets, no punishment. Just sustainable changes.

It took me 18 months to lose 43lbs. Since then, I’ve changed careers — from project managing commercial kitchens to working in health and fitness. I started teaching classes (pilates, keep fit, tai chi), and later added weight loss, menopause coaching, and talking therapies to an ever growing toolbox of knowledge.

Now, I help women like me make lifelong changes — not just slim down for a holiday, but feel better every day. Check my blog about What’s the best way to lose weight

Kate Wilson is your Mind & Body Coach. Twenty years ago who swapped project management for a career in health after losing 43lbs and keeping it off for over two decades. Since then, she retrained as a PT, Pilates instructor, coach and therapist — helping women improve strength, reduce stress, manage weight, and navigate menopause with confidence.

Through her 4 S’s framework — Sleep, Stress, Strength & Scran — Kate focuses on simple, sustainable changes that boost energy, calm the mind, and support long-term health. Whether you’re looking to sleep better, feel stronger, or just get back in control of your wellbeing, she’ll meet you with straight-talking support, empathy, and practical tools that fit your life.

http://www.katewilson.uk

https://www.facebook.com/KateWilsonPilates

The post Weight Loss Jabs, Fat-Phobia and the Myth of Willpower appeared first on Kate Wilson Pilates and Wellbeing.

What Is Persistent or Chronic Pain?

Persistent pain—also known as chronic pain—is discomfort that lingers far beyond the typical healing period. The word chronic doesn’t necessarily mean the pain is intense; it simply means it has lasted for a long time.

Pain is a personal experience. What feels unbearable to one person might be a mild inconvenience to another. This subjectivity makes treatment challenging. Pain is also difficult to describe, which is why doctors often use pain scales to measure intensity. If you’ve ever struggled to explain your pain, you’re not alone.

How Long Does Pain Have to Last to Be Considered Chronic?

In medical terms persistent or chronic pain is generally defined as pain lasting longer than 12 weeks—three months or more. This is a significant period, accounting for a quarter of the year. Long-term pain can disrupt daily life, affecting both the person experiencing it and those around them.

For example, I once suffered from sciatica for 18 months. It was triggered by training for a charity bike ride, combined with pre-existing back issues. Despite making adjustments to my bike setup, the constant leaning toward the handlebars aggravated the pain. As a fitness instructor at the time, it was especially frustrating. At one point, I couldn’t imagine a future without pain—but eventually, it did subside. Chronic pain can feel overwhelming, but understanding it is the first step toward managing it.

What Is Acute Pain?

Before chronic pain develops, an injury or event triggers the acute phase. Acute pain occurs immediately after an injury or condition appears and typically lasts up to 12 weeks, depending on the person and the severity of the issue.

The Acute Phase: The Body’s Alarm System

Acute pain serves as a warning signal, alerting us to injury. This phase is often accompanied by inflammation, redness, and discomfort. The body naturally reacts by protecting the affected area—for example, we instinctively hold, rub, or cool a sore spot.

To manage acute pain, we might use methods like the RICES protocol:

• Rest – Limiting movement to allow healing
• Ice – Reducing inflammation and numbing pain
• Compression – Supporting the injured area
• Elevation – Minimizing swelling
• Support – Using braces or bandages as needed

With proper care, acute pain usually resolves before the 12-week mark. Pain isn’t always necessary throughout the entire healing process – it’s just an initial alarm to prevent further damage.

When Does Acute Pain Become Chronic?

If pain continues beyond 12 weeks, it transitions into persistent or chronic pain. This doesn’t always mean something is still physically wrong—sometimes, the pain signal remains active even after the initial injury has healed.

For instance, my 18-month battle with sciatica was a clear case of chronic pain. However, not all long-term pain is the same. Pregnancy, for example, brings discomfort for up to nine months, but the underlying cause is temporary and expected to resolve post-birth.

Why Does Pain Persist?

There are several reasons pain may linger:

• Ongoing health conditions (e.g., arthritis, nerve damage)
• Delayed healing or complications
• The brain continuing to send pain signals unnecessarily

Take arthritis as an example. Many people live with it, experiencing stiffness, inflammation, and pain. But why does the pain persist even when they already know their limits? In some cases, the nervous system continues to send pain signals even when they are no longer needed. If this is you, check out OldPain2Go to help switch off the pain messages or talk to me about a session.

Take Control of Your Pain

Understanding your persistent pain is key to managing it effectively. Download the Investigating Your Pain guide to start exploring your pain patterns and triggers. Stay tuned for Part 2 next week, where we’ll dive into how to become your own pain investigator!

The post Understanding acute and persistent chronic pain appeared first on Kate Wilson Pilates and Wellbeing.