Former EastEnders actress Nina Wadia has opened up about her significant two-stone weight loss journey, while issuing a stark warning about the potential side effects of popular weight-loss injections. The 57-year-old star, best known for playing Zainab Masood on the BBC soap from 2007 to 2013, appeared on Good Morning Britain to address speculation surrounding her slimmer figure.
Gradual Lifestyle Changes Over Quick Fixes
Wadia firmly dismissed assumptions that she had used weight-loss injections to achieve her transformation, emphasising that her results came from sustained lifestyle adjustments over three years. 'It's been very gradual,' she explained. 'It's been an ongoing project because I want it to stay off.' The actress acknowledged that with injections becoming increasingly common, many people automatically assume they're involved in celebrity weight loss stories.
The Turning Point at Fifty
The performer revealed that reaching her fifties served as a crucial health wake-up call, particularly when she began receiving regular NHS check-up letters. 'Once I turned 50, I got letters from the NHS,' Wadia shared. 'When the letters come in it's like, come in for diabetes check, come in for cholesterol check.' This medical attention made her acutely aware of how her metabolism had changed, requiring daily movement to maintain balance. 'I have to be so careful about making sure that I move every single day,' she stressed. 'The day you don't move, you put on a pound!'
Warning About Injection Side Effects
While careful not to completely dismiss weight-loss injections for those with genuine medical needs, Wadia highlighted concerning side effects reported by friends who have used them. 'Some of my friends who have taken it have said they've been very depressed because they lost their appetite completely,' she cautioned. The actress suggested injections could serve as a 'kickstarter' for those struggling with obesity, but emphasised they shouldn't be viewed as risk-free solutions.
Movement Over Monitoring
For her own approach, Wadia focuses on consistent activity rather than tracking metrics like step counts. She champions the This Girl Can campaign's philosophy that movement matters more than age or size. 'Even a ten-minute walk every day,' she advised. 'It will work wonders for you.' When asked about monitoring her activity levels, she responded simply: 'I don't actually. I just like to go out, I just like to be active.'
Broader Context of Weight-Loss Injections
Wadia's comments arrive as medications like Mounjaro and Ozempic continue generating headlines across the UK, with approximately 2.5 million people believed to be using such treatments. Originally developed for diabetes management, these drugs work by mimicking hormones that suppress appetite and increase feelings of fullness.
A significant new trial is currently underway in Greater Manchester, where up to 3,000 participants will receive Mounjaro prescriptions through their GPs. This study aims to explore whether the medication can improve long-term health outcomes and potentially help people return to work. The research adds to growing discussions about the appropriate use and potential risks of pharmaceutical weight-loss interventions.
Wadia's experience underscores the importance of personalised approaches to health and weight management, balancing medical interventions with sustainable lifestyle practices while remaining mindful of potential psychological and physical side effects.
