Beyond the scale: Jessica’s experience with PCOS, weight loss, and Numan’s support

After dealing with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and a long-standing injury, Jessica (41), a makeup artist based in South London, knew it was time for a change. She shared how Numan's Weight Loss Programme helped her lose weight and ease symptoms.

Let’s see how she got on. 

How did you first come across Numan’s Weight Loss Programme?

I’ve always struggled with weight. A few years ago, I managed to lose quite a bit, but I gained it all back after an injury. I kept seeing advertisements for weight loss medications, but I was concerned about safety and side effects. Numan stood out because it wasn’t just about the medication - they offered health coaching and support. I didn’t want to be left to figure it all out on my own.

What was it about the health coaching aspect that appealed to you?

I was really concerned about potential side effects and the idea of taking something without proper guidance. The fact that Numan offers a whole support system, including a health coach, was a huge factor for me. It’s comforting to know that if anything goes wrong or if I have questions, there’s someone there to help.

What kinds of things did you try before joining Numan?

Before this, I’d tried a lot of things - training, dieting, you name it. I’ve never really been a gym person, but my partner is into fitness, so I started going regularly before the pandemic. Unfortunately, I tore my Achilles tendon, and with lockdown, it was hard to get it treated, so it became a long recovery process. That set me back a lot. I wasn’t able to train, and the weight crept back on. It would always flare up, especially after a long day on my feet, and it limited my mobility. Now I don’t suffer as much. It’s given me my mobility back. I also have PCOS - which comes with so many symptoms.

PCOS can be such a challenging condition to manage. Could you tell us a bit more about how PCOS has affected your health?

For me, carbohydrates are a big issue because they spike my insulin, which makes me feel constantly bloated and exhausted. It’s a vicious cycle. But since starting the programme, I’ve been able to get into a healthier cycle of eating and exercising, which is something I hadn’t been able to do before.

Was there a particular moment when you decided it was time to make a change and start Numan’s Weight Loss Programme?

I’ve struggled with weight my whole life. I was an overweight child and a teenager, and even though I’ve managed to lose weight at different times, I’ve never been able to keep it off. The last few years, though, things started to slow down even more, and I felt like I needed some extra help. I’m 41 now, and I knew I needed to take control of my health, especially with everything that comes with ageing and PCOS.

Do you feel like societal attitudes toward weight have affected your journey?

Yes and no. I’m a bit conflicted about the body positivity movement, to be honest. I think it’s important that we don’t shame people for their weight, but at the same time, I believe we should encourage healthy habits. But yes growing up, I never felt like I fit in - back home in Spain, it was impossible to find clothes in bigger sizes, and it made me feel like I didn’t belong. While I love fashion and always wanted to look good, I couldn’t. The body positivity movement is great, but I think it’s important not to lose sight of health in the process.

Have you gained any new healthy habits since joining the programme?

Yes, definitely. I’ve been on this journey for so long that I developed some unhealthy habits along the way, like cutting out carbs too much. I was constantly low on energy because I wasn’t eating enough healthy carbohydrates. Amy, my health coach, has been great about helping me balance my meals better. She’s given me nutritional advice on fibre and energy needs, which has helped me understand that I was being too restrictive. I’m eating more balanced meals now and have a much healthier relationship with food.

It sounds like Amy has been a great support. How has your relationship with her helped you on this journey?

Amy has been amazing. She checks in regularly, making sure I’m taking care of myself. Sometimes, when life gets busy, I forget to prioritise my own health. Having Amy there to send me a message and remind me to check in with myself has been really helpful. It’s also great that she’s not someone in my personal life! When my partner reminds me to do something like this, I find it annoying. But with Amy, it’s different. She’s neutral and focused on my health, which makes her advice easier to follow.

Before starting with Numan, did your weight affect your confidence or mental health?

Oh, 100%. I’ve always been successful in my professional life - moving to a new country, learning a new language, building a career - but my weight has always been the one thing I couldn’t conquer. It’s been a battle my whole life, and even though I’ve come close to achieving my goals, I’ve never quite got there. That’s been hard to accept, but I’m working on it.

How do you feel about your weight and health now compared to before you started the programme?

It’s still a work in progress, but I’m feeling so much more positive. I’ve gained the confidence to go back to the gym, and I’m training three times a week now, which is a huge improvement. I can see changes in my body, and my partner has noticed them too. It’s not always about the numbers on the scale - it’s about feeling better and having more energy. I’m starting to see that light at the end of the tunnel, and it’s given me hope that I can keep improving.