.svg)
In today's fast-paced world, it's no surprise that many women find themselves grappling with unhealthy eating habits. According to the NHS, nearly 29% of women in England were classified as obese in 2019, a figure that has been steadily rising over the past decades. Whether it's reaching for a late-night snack after a long day or skipping meals due to a hectic schedule, these habits can take a toll on your health and well-being.
But the good news is that recognising and addressing these patterns is the first step towards a healthier you. This comprehensive guide will delve into common bad eating habits, explore the underlying reasons behind them, and provide actionable strategies to help you break the cycle. Let's embark on this journey towards better health together.
Unmasking the Culprits: Recognising Your Unhealthy Eating Patterns
Identifying your bad eating habits is crucial because you can't change what you're not aware of. By shining a light on these behaviours, you empower yourself to make informed decisions and implement lasting changes.
Common Bad Eating Habits
Understanding common unhealthy eating patterns can help you recognise them in your own life. Here are some prevalent habits among women:
- Emotional Eating: Turning to food for comfort during stress, boredom, or sadness.
- Mindless Snacking: Eating without paying attention to hunger cues or portion sizes, often while distracted by TV or work.
- Skipping Meals: Missing meals, especially breakfast, which can lead to overeating later.
- Restrictive Dieting: Engaging in fad diets that eliminate entire food groups, leading to cravings and binge eating.
- Overeating: Consuming more calories than your body needs, often due to large portion sizes.
- Unhealthy Food Choices: Regularly opting for processed foods, sugary drinks, and foods high in unhealthy fats.
- Sugar Cravings: Experiencing intense desires for sweet foods, leading to excessive sugar intake.
- Late-Night Eating: Eating large meals or snacks close to bedtime, which can disrupt sleep and digestion.
Spotting the Signs: How to Identify Your Habits
Self-reflection is key to recognising which of these habits apply to you. Here are practical steps to help you identify them:
- Keep a Food Diary: Track everything you eat and drink for a week. Note the time, what you consumed, and how you felt before and after eating.
- Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to physical cues like hunger and fullness. Are you eating when you're not hungry?
- Assess Emotional States: Reflect on your emotions during meals. Are you eating to cope with stress or boredom?
Personal Habits Checklist
Why Do We Do It? Exploring the Reasons Behind Unhealthy Eating
Understanding the root causes of bad eating habits is essential for creating lasting change. These habits often develop over time and can be influenced by a combination of psychological, social, and physiological factors.
Psychological Factors
Our emotions and mental well-being significantly impact our eating behaviours.
- Stress and Cortisol: High stress levels trigger the release of cortisol, a hormone that increases appetite and cravings for high-calorie foods. This response dates back to our ancestors, where energy-dense foods were crucial for survival during stressful times.
- Low Self-Esteem: Negative body image and self-esteem issues can lead to disordered eating patterns, such as binge eating or restrictive dieting.
Social and Environmental Factors
The world around us plays a substantial role in shaping our eating habits.
- Advertising and Marketing: Exposure to advertisements for unhealthy foods can influence choices, especially when these foods are portrayed as desirable.
- Cultural Norms: In the UK, social gatherings often revolve around food and drink, which can encourage overeating or indulgence in less healthy options.
- Accessibility: The easy availability of processed and fast foods makes unhealthy choices more convenient.
Physiological Factors
Biological factors can also influence eating habits.
- Hormonal Fluctuations: Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can affect appetite and cravings, particularly for sugary and high-fat foods.
- Genetics and Metabolism: Genetic predispositions can impact metabolism and appetite regulation, making some individuals more prone to weight gain.
Rewrite Your Eating Story: Effective Strategies to Break Free
Breaking bad habits isn't just about willpower; it's about implementing effective strategies that address the underlying causes.
Mindful Eating
Mindful eating involves paying full attention to the experience of eating and drinking, both inside and outside the body.
- Stay Present: Focus on the taste, texture, and aroma of your food. Chew slowly and savour each bite.
- Eliminate Distractions: Avoid eating in front of the TV or computer. Create a calm environment to enjoy your meals.
- Listen to Your Body: Eat when you're hungry and stop when you're full.
Practising mindful eating can reduce overeating and increase satisfaction with smaller portions.
Building a Healthy Relationship with Food
Developing a positive relationship with food is crucial.
- Ditch Diet Culture: Avoid restrictive diets that demonise certain foods. Instead, embrace a balanced approach that includes a variety of nutrients.
- Intuitive Eating: Listen to your body's hunger and fullness cues. Eat foods that make you feel good and provide energy.
- Focus on Nourishment: Prioritise whole, unprocessed foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and fibre.
Habit Replacement & Breaking the Cycle
Understanding the habit loop can help you replace unhealthy behaviours.
- Identify Triggers: Recognise cues that lead to bad habits, such as stress or specific environments.
- Replace the Routine: Swap unhealthy behaviours with healthier alternatives. For example, replace late-night snacking with a relaxing herbal tea.
- Reward Yourself: Find non-food rewards to reinforce positive changes, like a relaxing bath or a new book.
By modifying the habit loop—cue, routine, reward—you can create new, healthier habits10.
Seeking Support
You don't have to do it alone.
- Social Support: Share your goals with friends and family who can provide encouragement.
- Professional Guidance: Consult a registered dietitian or therapist for personalised advice. The British Dietetic Association (BDA) offers resources to find qualified professionals11.
- Online Communities: Join forums or social media groups focused on healthy living for motivation and tips.
A Woman's Perspective: Tailoring Strategies to Your Needs
Women's health is unique, and certain factors require special attention.
Hormonal Influences
Hormones play a significant role in women's eating habits.
- Menstrual Cycle: Fluctuations can lead to increased appetite and cravings, particularly in the luteal phase.
- Pregnancy and Menopause: Hormonal changes during these stages can affect metabolism and food preferences.
Managing Hormonal Cravings
- Balanced Meals: Include protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates to keep you satiated.
- Stay Hydrated: Sometimes thirst is mistaken for hunger.
- Gentle Exercise: Activities like yoga or walking can help regulate hormones and reduce stress.
Body Image and Self-Esteem
Societal pressures can impact self-esteem and eating habits.
- Body Positivity: Embrace and appreciate your body for all it does. Remember that health isn't solely defined by weight.
- Media Literacy: Be critical of images and messages that promote unrealistic body standards.
- Seek Support: If you're struggling with body image issues or disordered eating, organisations like Beat Eating Disorders offer resources and helplines13.
Staying on Track: Making Healthy Eating a Lifestyle
Maintaining momentum is key to long-term success.
Setting Realistic Goals
- SMART Goals: Ensure your goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and reward yourself for progress, no matter how small.
Building a Supportive Environment
- Stock Up on Healthy Foods: Fill your kitchen with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
- Meal Planning: Prepare meals and snacks in advance to avoid impulsive eating.
- Limit Temptations: Keep less healthy options out of sight or out of the house.
Staying Motivated
- Enjoyable Exercise: Find physical activities you love, whether it's dancing, cycling, or swimming.
- Community Engagement: Connect with others who share similar goals for mutual support.
- Self-Care Practices: Incorporate stress-reducing activities like meditation, reading, or hobbies.
Embrace a Healthier You
Recognising and breaking bad eating habits is a journey that requires patience and compassion. By understanding the underlying causes and implementing practical strategies, you're well on your way to a healthier, happier life.
Remember, it's not about perfection but progress. Every positive choice you make contributes to your overall well-being. So start today—reflect on your habits, set your intentions, and take that first step towards rewriting your eating story.
References
- NHS Digital. (2020). Statistics on Obesity, Physical Activity and Diet, England, 2020. Retrieved from NHS Digital ↩
- Harvard Health Publishing. (2018). Why stress causes people to overeat. Retrieved from Harvard Health ↩
- Mental Health Foundation. (2020). Body image report. Retrieved from Mental Health Foundation ↩
- Public Health England. (2019). Sugar reduction: the evidence for action. Retrieved from GOV.UK ↩
- Farage, M. A., Osborn, T. W., & MacLean, A. B. (2008). Cognitive, sensory, and emotional changes associated with the menstrual cycle: a review. Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 278(4), 299–307. ↩
- Speakman, J. R., & O’Rahilly, S. (2012). Fat: an evolving issue. Disease Models & Mechanisms, 5(5), 569–573. ↩
- British Dietetic Association. (2019). Mindful Eating. Retrieved from BDA UK ↩
- Tribole, E., & Resch, E. (2012). Intuitive Eating: A Revolutionary Program That Works. St. Martin's Griffin. ↩
- British Nutrition Foundation. (2021). Healthy eating. Retrieved from Nutrition.org.uk ↩
- Duhigg, C. (2012). The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business. Random House. ↩
- British Dietetic Association. (2021). Find a Dietitian. Retrieved from BDA UK ↩
- Lamont, L. S., & Brunner, R. L. (1993). Exercise and quiescent periods of the menstrual cycle: effect on serum lipids and metabolism. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 27(3), 180–184. ↩
- Beat Eating Disorders. (2021). Support Services. Retrieved from Beat ↩
When new medical studies are released, they can feel full of numbers and complex terms. At SheMed, our role is to help you understand what they really mean for you, your health, and your future.
Recently, Novo Nordisk released the results of the STEER study, one of the most significant pieces of research yet on GLP-1 medicines like Wegovy. And the findings show something powerful: Wegovy is not only about weight loss, it’s also about heart health.
The Big Picture: What the STEER Study Looked At
The STEER study explored how GLP-1 medicines affect heart health in people living with Overweight or Obesity and established cardiovascular disease (but without diabetes).
Researchers compared Wegovy (Semaglutide 2.4mg) with Tirzepatide (Mounjaro). They focused on the risk of serious heart problems, what doctors call “major adverse cardiovascular events” (MACE). These include:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Death from heart disease
What They Found
The results were striking:
- For people who stayed on treatment without big gaps, Wegovy reduced the risk of heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death by 57% more than Mounjaro.
- When looking at all treated people, even those with breaks in care Wegovy still showed a 29% reduction in these serious events overall.
In short, Wegovy is not only helping people lose weight, it is also showing clear cardiovascular protection, especially when used consistently.
Why This Matters for You
We’ve always known GLP-1 medicines are powerful tools for weight loss, but the STEER study highlights something even bigger: they can also protect your heart. For anyone living with Obesity and cardiovascular disease, this is game-changing.
It also reinforces an important truth - long-term commitment matters most. The people who saw the greatest benefits were those who stayed consistent with their medication. That’s why at SheMed, we design every part of our programme to keep you supported, motivated, and engaged for the long run.
The SheMed Difference: Seeing the Bigger Picture
Medication is only one part of your health journey. At SheMed, we combine Wegovy with wraparound care:
- Regular blood tests to track key markers like cholesterol, blood sugar, and liver health.
- Weekly check-ins and app reminders to help you stay on track.
- Education and content designed specifically for women, covering sleep, hormones, activity, and nutrition.
- Proactive Side effect care and support to keep you comfortable and supported as your body adjusts.
This holistic approach matters because weight loss is just one marker of progress. By running blood tests before starting the programme, at 6 months, and 12 months, we can show you the deeper changes happening inside your body, improvements in cholesterol, blood sugar, and overall metabolic health.
It means you’ll see the true value of GLP-1s, not just in how you look or feel, but in the measurable ways your health is improving and your risks are reducing.
Why Wegovy Through SheMed Makes Sense
At SheMed, we’ve worked hard to make Wegovy accessible and affordable. With static, transparent pricing across doses, our members know exactly what they’re paying. That means no hidden surprises and no price hikes as you move up through titration.
When you combine that cost benefit with the evidence from STEER that Wegovy offers not just weight loss but cardiovascular protection the case for choosing Wegovy through SheMed becomes even stronger.
You’re not just investing in weight management; you’re investing in heart health, future health, and a programme designed to keep you safe and supported every step of the way.
The Future of Health With SheMed
The STEER study is a reminder that the story of GLP-1s is still unfolding and it’s about so much more than weight loss. These medicines are changing how we think about obesity, cardiovascular health, and long-term wellbeing.
At SheMed, we’ll continue to keep you informed as new research emerges, but more importantly, we’ll keep showing you the bigger picture through your own results. With every blood test, every milestone, and every step forward, you’ll see how far you’ve come not just in weight, but in health.
Because at SheMed, you’re not just losing weight. You’re gaining health, protecting your future, and building the strongest version of you.
Wegovy has quickly become a key treatment option in obesity management, particularly for adults living with excess weight and health conditions linked to obesity.
With recent price increases for Mounjaro®, another GLP-1 medication, many patients and healthcare providers are now turning to Wegovy as a strong alternative.
Clinical research shows that Wegovy can deliver significant weight loss results, often comparable to those seen with Mounjaro, making it one of the most effective options currently available.
Recent news and clinical trial data reveal that higher doses of Wegovy specifically at 7.2 mg weekly, have led to average weight loss of around 21% in adults with obesity, with approximately one-third of participants achieving a weight loss of 25% or more over 72 weeks. This is notably greater than the 15% average weight loss seen at the standard 2.4 mg dose.
Latest Clinical Data on Higher Doses
The 2025 STEP UP phase 3b trial evaluated semaglutide at both 7.2 mg and 2.4 mg weekly doses versus placebo in people with obesity who did not have diabetes. The results indicated a clear dose-response effect:
- Mean weight loss was 21% at 7.2 mg, compared to 17.5% at 2.4 mg, and much lower with placebo.
- Specifically, 51% of those on 7.2 mg lost at least 20% of their body weight, and 33% achieved a reduction of 25% or more.
- For 2.4 mg, 35% lost 20% or more, and 17% achieved 25% or greater weight loss.
Regulatory and Safety Considerations
- Novo Nordisk has announced plans to seek regulatory approval for the higher 7.2 mg dose in the EU and other regions in late 2025.
- Safety and tolerability of the 7.2 mg weekly dose were consistent with the known profile of semaglutide, with gastrointestinal side effects remaining most common, except for a low discontinuation rate for adverse effects (about 3%).
- These findings extend the potential of Wegovy for people requiring greater degrees of weight loss, emphasising the dose-dependent effect of semaglutide GLP-1 therapy.
Comparing New findings with Mounjaro
At higher doses (7.2 mg), Wegovy has demonstrated weight loss outcomes that closely mirror those achieved with Mounjaro. Clinical data show an average 21% reduction in body weight over 72 weeks with Wegovy, with around half of patients reaching at least 20% weight loss. By comparison, Mounjaro studies report average reductions of up to 22–23% at higher doses over a similar treatment duration. While Wegovy’s 7.2 mg dose remains under regulatory review and is not yet standard practice, these findings highlight that patients considering a switch may be able to achieve results that are highly comparable to those seen with Mounjaro, offering another strong option in pharmacological obesity management.
Head-to-head style snapshot (72-week outcomes)
In conclusion, if you are considering switching from Mounjaro to Wegovy, now is an excellent opportunity. Wegovy offers a highly effective alternative for weight management with similar clinical results, and - importantly - comes at a considerably lower price, especially as Mounjaro prices are set to rise sharply in the UK from September 2025. Choosing Wegovy can help maintain your weight loss goals while making your treatment more affordable.
If you have any questions or need personalised advice about making the switch, please do not hesitate to contact the Shemed support team at support@shemed.com.
References
- ClinicalTrials.gov. (2024, December 12). A research study to see how semaglutide helps people with excess weight, lose weight (STEP UP) (NCT05646706). U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05646706
- Wilding, J. P. H., Batterham, R. L., Calanna, S., Davies, M., Van Gaal, L. F., Lingvay, I., McGowan, B. M., Rosenstock, J., Tran, M. T., Wadden, T. A., Wharton, S., Yokote, K., Zeuthen, N., Kushner, R. F., & STEP 1 Study Group. (2021). Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity. The New England Journal of Medicine, 384(11), 989–1002. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
- Jastreboff, A. M., Aronne, L. J., Ahmad, N. N., Wharton, S., Connery, L., Alves, B., Kiyosue, A., Zhang, S., Liu, B., Bunck, M. C., & Wadden, T. A. (2022). Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity. The New England Journal of Medicine, 387(3), 205–216. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038
- American Diabetes Association (ADA). (2025, June). STEP UP trial: Semaglutide 7.2 mg in adults with obesity without type 2 diabetes [Conference presentation]. ADA 85th Scientific Sessions, Chicago, IL. Retrieved from https://diabetesjournals.org/ (poster abstract ePoster 446-P).
- Novo Nordisk. (2025, June 9). Semaglutide 7.2 mg shows ~21% weight loss at 72 weeks in STEP UP trial [Press release]. Retrieved from https://www.novonordisk.com/