Rosemary Shrager, known for her television cookery shows like Rosemary’s School For Cooks and Cooking With The Stars, has always been passionate about food. But over the years, she found herself facing a battle with weight that affected both her physical and emotional well-being. At the age of 74, Shrager’s life is now a testament to perseverance, dedication, and the power of both modern medicine and personal effort. Through a combination of Ozempic, cycling, and mindset changes, she has lost an impressive 20 stone, transformed her health, and is taking on challenges she once thought impossible.
A Struggle with Weight and Health
For most of her life, Shrager struggled with weight. Despite being surrounded by food as a TV personality and chef, her weight became an issue that couldn’t be ignored. At one point, she weighed 20 stone and was deeply concerned about her health. She had undergone a hip replacement in 2023, and although she was no longer in physical pain, she led a largely sedentary life. Walking around her kitchen or venturing into her village felt like insurmountable tasks. She couldn’t even walk into the village without worrying about being unable to make it back home.
Shrager’s experience is one that resonates with many who have battled with weight for years. Even though she had always eaten relatively healthily, portion sizes had been excessive, and in the absence of exercise, the weight continued to accumulate. After trying countless diets and quick fixes, including bulimia in her early 30s, nothing ever worked long-term.
In fact, after trying various weight-loss methods, including some extreme ones, she ended up on the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme and was eventually diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Despite these efforts, her weight fluctuated up and down, creating a cycle of temporary losses and frustrating gains. But at 74, Shrager decided enough was enough.
Turning to Ozempic for Help
In her search for a more sustainable solution, Shrager turned to Ozempic, a medication that has helped many people struggling with obesity and type 2 diabetes. This GLP-1 medication is used off-label by millions in the UK, including Shrager, to aid weight loss. For her, it was the catalyst for change, but she knew it wasn’t just about the medication. It had to be part of a larger lifestyle change.
In September, Shrager began using Ozempic at a small 0.25mg dose while also committing to a fitness challenge. The challenge was ambitious – cycling the south coast of Britain, a route she had previously enjoyed by boat. The goal was to raise money for the Hendy Foundation’s food banks initiative, hoping to collect at least £100,000. At first, many doubted whether she could complete such a physical feat, but Shrager was determined not to let anyone, including herself, down.
The Power of Exercise
Shrager’s fitness journey didn’t start with high-intensity workouts or long bike rides. Initially, she booked a local personal trainer, and during their first sessions, she struggled. However, with persistence, her fitness improved slowly. She started on the exercise bike for just five minutes, gradually increasing the duration as her strength grew.
Cycling, once a daunting challenge, soon became her sport of choice. She was riding for four to five hours a day, covering up to 42 miles at a time. She went from struggling to stay upright on the bike to confidently cycling road routes. Her newfound love for cycling, coupled with daily exercise, allowed her to shed the pounds and regain her strength.
Today, Shrager feels stronger than ever. Her once-unsteady gait is now replaced with a confident stride, and she’s discovered a new zest for life. Through cycling, she not only achieved a remarkable physical transformation but also reconnected with her body, finding joy in movement.
The Emotional Journey
Losing 20 stone isn’t just about dropping pounds—it’s about regaining a sense of self. Shrager, once embarrassed by her size, could now fit into clothes she hadn’t worn in years. For the first time in 50 years, she wore jeans. People began commenting on her weight loss, remarking on how she looked like “half the size.” While the physical transformation was incredible, it was the emotional transformation that made the biggest difference.
Shrager says that the weight loss has given her a second chance at life. She feels physically capable, mentally strong, and emotionally fulfilled. Her new-found strength has also led to improvements in her health. Her doctor reported that her blood sugar levels had reduced, and her blood pressure, cholesterol, and kidney function had all shown improvement. The combination of Ozempic and regular exercise was allowing Shrager to reverse many of the health issues she had struggled with for years.
Although she still takes the diabetes medication metformin, Shrager is optimistic that her type 2 diabetes might one day “disappear” altogether. Her journey is a reflection of what is possible when a person commits to long-term lifestyle changes.
A New Outlook on Food and Lifestyle
One of the key changes Shrager made was adjusting her relationship with food. While she’s still deeply passionate about cooking and food, her approach to portion sizes has changed dramatically. She now enjoys food in moderation, savoring meals without overindulging. She also has a mostly teetotal lifestyle, reserving the occasional glass of champagne for special moments.
Shrager’s ability to combine the use of Ozempic with exercise and portion control shows how important it is to find a balance that works for the individual. It’s not about depriving herself of food or exercise—it’s about maintaining consistency in everything she does.
Looking Forward
Shrager’s transformation isn’t just about losing weight—it’s about creating new possibilities for herself. She’s dreaming of new adventures, including cycling challenges in beautiful locations and potentially competing in shows like Celebrity Race Across The World.
At the age of 74, Shrager’s determination to live a healthier, more active life serves as an inspiration to us all. Her story proves that age is just a number and that it’s never too late to make a change.
With her newfound strength and confidence, Rosemary Shrager is not only achieving personal goals but also setting an example for others who may feel like they’re too far gone to make a change. If she can do it, so can you.