Caroline Stanbury, known for her role in The Real Housewives of Dubai, has become a symbol of strength and transformation. Fans have followed her emotional and physical journey, including her weight loss transformation after gaining 18 pounds during in vitro fertilization (IVF). Caroline’s story is not just one of shedding pounds but also of overcoming personal challenges, embracing emotional growth, and learning to navigate midlife changes. As she opened up about her experience with Ozempic, a medication commonly used for weight loss, her journey has sparked conversations about health, self-love, and body acceptance.
In this article, we delve into Caroline Stanbury’s weight loss process, exploring the impact of IVF treatments, medication, diet, exercise, and the powerful psychological journey she underwent to regain control of her health.
The Weight Gain: IVF and the Struggle with Emotional Eating
Caroline’s weight gain story began with her decision to undergo IVF treatments, which are well known to affect hormones and lead to weight changes. She found herself gaining around 18 pounds, a shift that was physically and emotionally challenging. IVF treatments can cause a variety of side effects, one of which is weight gain due to hormonal changes, a challenge that many women face during fertility treatments.
In interviews, Caroline has been open about her struggles with the weight gain and the emotional toll it took on her. The experience wasn’t just about the number on the scale; it was about how it impacted her confidence and mental health. She admitted that the extra weight made her feel less like herself and, as a result, she began looking for ways to regain her pre-IVF body. “I wanted to feel like myself again,” she shared.
However, unlike many people who attempt to lose weight through extreme dieting or quick fixes, Caroline knew that she wanted a more sustainable approach. This led her to experiment with methods that were healthier and better suited to her lifestyle.
Turning to Mounjaro and Ozempic: Finding Support Through Medication
While many turn to diet and exercise to shed unwanted pounds, Caroline’s journey was different. After months of struggling with the weight gain and trying various methods to lose it, Caroline began using Mounjaro, a medication that is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes but also used off-label for weight loss. Mounjaro works by regulating appetite and improving metabolic processes, which helped Caroline shed the 18 pounds she gained during her IVF treatments.
Her decision to use medication was not one she took lightly, but it proved effective for her. Caroline shared that, after using Mounjaro for a few months, she felt back to her normal self, shedding the weight and regaining confidence. Despite initial doubts, the medication helped her manage her weight in a way that was more convenient for her lifestyle. She also tried Ozempic, a similar medication, for a brief period, but ultimately decided that Mounjaro worked better for her.
While Caroline’s experience with medication is often discussed, she emphasizes that it was just one piece of the puzzle. Weight loss doesn’t happen in isolation; it’s part of a larger journey that involves mental clarity, consistent effort, and the right support.
Diet and Exercise: Focusing on Sustainable Habits
Alongside her medication, Caroline has consistently emphasized the importance of diet and exercise. While medications like Mounjaro can help with appetite control, Caroline recognizes the importance of creating a balanced, healthy lifestyle that includes a sustainable diet plan and regular physical activity.
For her, the key was making small changes that didn’t feel restrictive. She practiced intermittent fasting, typically eating later in the day, around noon, and enjoying a more carb-heavy lunch and a lighter dinner. She also began focusing on smaller portion sizes, enjoying the foods she loved without overindulging. This approach allowed her to enjoy her meals without feeling deprived, making it easier to stick to her routine.
In terms of exercise, Caroline found that Pilates was incredibly helpful for both her physical and emotional health. Pilates is known for its low-impact nature, which made it easier for Caroline to incorporate it into her busy schedule without straining her body. She also mixed in other forms of exercise to keep things interesting and ensure a well-rounded fitness regimen.
Psychological Transformation: Navigating Midlife Changes
One of the most powerful aspects of Caroline’s journey is the psychological transformation that occurred alongside her physical changes. Losing weight is often seen as a purely physical challenge, but for Caroline, it was about mental clarity, self-acceptance, and overcoming anxiety.
Turning 48, Caroline began experiencing the physical and emotional effects of midlife. With the challenges of IVF, aging, and the pressures of being in the public eye, she found herself facing new emotional hurdles. Weight loss was no longer just about looking good; it became a way to regain control over her body and improve her emotional well-being.
She spoke candidly about how, in her 40s, weight loss became harder. “After 45, it becomes very, very hard to lose weight—and I’m not lazy. I’m not lying at home doing nothing,” Caroline explained. She emphasized that weight loss was not an easy journey, especially after the changes that come with age and the hormonal shifts brought on by IVF. This self-awareness allowed Caroline to embrace the process with patience and compassion, giving herself the space to take things one day at a time.
Alongside her efforts to lose weight, Caroline also worked on cultivating a more positive body image. Through this process, she found herself not only more confident in her appearance but also more at peace with the idea of aging. Her willingness to share her journey has resonated with many, inspiring others to take a more holistic approach to health and well-being.
The Role of Social Media: Sharing the Journey with Fans
Caroline has always been active on social media, using platforms like Instagram to document her journey. She’s known for being open with her fans about her life and struggles, and her weight loss journey has been no exception. Through her posts, Caroline has shared both the ups and downs of her transformation, showing that it’s not a linear process but one that requires persistence, self-compassion, and support.
In her Instagram posts, Caroline has also advocated for self-love and emotional growth. She’s emphasized that the road to weight loss isn’t just about fitting into smaller clothes but about becoming the best version of oneself, both physically and emotionally. She encourages her followers to focus on progress, not perfection, and to be gentle with themselves when the journey feels tough.
A Journey of Personal Growth and Transformation
Caroline Stanbury’s weight loss journey is about more than just shedding pounds. It’s a story of self-reflection, emotional growth, and finding balance in the face of challenges. Through IVF, weight gain, medication, and a commitment to a healthier lifestyle, Caroline has not only transformed her body but also her mindset. Her journey proves that weight loss is not just a physical endeavor but an emotional and mental one as well.
Caroline’s decision to be open about her use of medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro has sparked important conversations about the role of weight loss drugs in managing weight, especially in midlife. However, her story also highlights the importance of embracing a balanced approach—combining diet, exercise, and mental clarity to achieve lasting transformation. Through her experience, Caroline continues to inspire others to take control of their health and well-being while embracing the process with patience, kindness, and confidence.