An individual, who previously weighed over 26 stone, managed to shed half of her body weight through gastric sleeve surgery and the use of Mounjaro, leading to her realization of experiencing “thin privilege” due to the kinder treatment she now receives. Angelina Bonsor, a 39-year-old professional in the barber and hairdressing industry, reached her peak weight of 26 stone 4lb (167kg) during the Covid-19 lockdown, where her diet was primarily composed of processed foods and takeout meals.
Standing tall at 5ft 9ins, Angelina felt a sense of freedom to eat without restraint as she awaited gastric sleeve surgery, believing it would resolve her weight concerns. However, after the unexpected passing of her brother in 2023 and the bullying her son faced due to her weight, she decided to alter her lifestyle by cutting back on processed food intake.
Undergoing gastric sleeve surgery in May 2024, a procedure involving the removal of about 80% of the stomach to form a smaller, sleeve-shaped pouch, Angelina successfully dropped her weight to 15 stone 2lb (96kg) by July 2025. To further progress, she incorporated Mounjaro into her routine, resulting in her current weight of 13 stone 7lb (86kg), proudly fitting into a size 14 and exuding newfound confidence.
Residing in Coventry with her husband Nigel, a 44-year-old health and safety consultant, and their two children Evan, 10, and Aidan, 19, Angelina shared her experience with PA Real Life, expressing her realization of the privileges associated with being thinner. Previously burdened by judgments and discomfort in public spaces, she now feels a shift in how others perceive and treat her.
Struggling with weight issues for most of her life, Angelina attempted various diets like Slimming World, with limited success. By 2019, she weighed 23 stone (146kg) and escalated to her heaviest weight of 26 stone 4lb (167kg) during the lockdown period, wearing sizes 28 to 30 and carrying an obese BMI of 54.3.
Awaiting gastric sleeve surgery, Angelina assumed she could indulge in unrestricted eating until the procedure. Her daily meals included four slices of toast for breakfast, a mid-morning chocolate snack, a lunch of sausage, chips, and beans, takeaway dinners, and evening biscuits and crisps.
Upon realizing the weight gain post-lockdown when her work attire no longer fit, Angelina’s self-esteem plummeted, leading to social withdrawal and reluctance to leave the house. The impact even extended to her youngest son, who faced bullying due to her weight, prompting a significant change in her perspective and actions.
Taking proactive steps, she reduced processed food intake and underwent gastric sleeve surgery in May 2024, having already lost weight down to 22 stone 11lb (144kg). Post-operation, she adhered to a pre-operative liver-reducing diet and followed prescribed meal plans to sustain weight loss progress.
Engaging a personal trainer in January 2025, Angelina embraced home workouts, consistent walking routines, and adopted MyFitnessPal for monitoring food intake and exercise activities. Despite hitting a weight loss plateau by mid-2025, she introduced Mounjaro to her regimen, enhancing her results and leading to her current weight of 13 stone 7lb (86kg).
Feeling physically empowered through her fitness journey, Angelina now embraces a healthier routine, including balanced meals and regular exercise, which has not only transformed her appearance but also boosted her confidence and social interactions, marking a significant shift in her overall well-being.