Woman sheds 8st and drops from size 22 to eight for PMOS symptoms – only to be told she may have endometriosis instead

A woman who lost almost 8st after being told to lose weight for her PMOS symptoms says she went from a size 22 to an eight “for nothing” after being told she may actually have endometriosis instead.

Caitlin Sorby, a 31-year-old clinical officer for the NHS, who stands at 5ft 2ins tall, reached 16st 9lbs (105.7kg) and a size 22 in 2024 after a break-up left her “turning to food for comfort”.

At the same time, she had stopped using hormonal contraception and her periods had not returned, and in July 2024 she was diagnosed with polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS).

PMOS is a hormone condition that can affect hair growth, periods, fertility and mood, and was previously known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

It can also make losing weight difficult and her GP referred her to the NHS weight management programme, reassuring her it could help reduce her symptoms.

Through this, she began going to Weight Watchers in November 2024, and was still struggling to lose weight, so began taking the weight loss jab Mounjaro in March of the following year.

She “finally” began losing around 1lb (0.5kg) a week consistently, following a Mounjaro-friendly Weight Watchers plan, going to the gym and cycling, dropping to 9st (57.2kg) by the end of 2025.

Caitlin’s periods also gradually came back and she now weighs 8st 12lbs (56.2kg) and feels more energetic than ever, but her symptoms have not improved, still suffering with extreme pelvic pain and heavy, irregular periods.

Caitlin, who is single and from Glasgow, told PA Real Life: “I just can’t believe after all this effort, nothing has changed – it makes you feel like it was all for nothing.

“There’s just not enough care and research into women’s health.

“It’s heartbreaking really, but I’m still glad I lost the weight and I’m looking forward to eventually coming off the jabs.

“It’ll be great not to fork out £300 a month, I had to ask my mum for help to cover it, and people say it’s cheating but it worked for me, I don’t think we should judge people who use it.”

Caitlin reached her heaviest weight of 16st 9lbs (105.7kg) in 2024 after going through a “difficult” break-up in May 2023 and turning to food for “comfort”.

At the time, wearing a size 22, she typically skipped breakfast, had a sandwich and crisps for lunch, followed by spaghetti bolognese for dinner, as well as packets of crisps and large chocolate bars as snacks.

“I didn’t really realise I was as big as I was for a while,” she said.

“But I didn’t want to go anywhere or do anything and felt quite low.”

After coming off the contraceptive injection, in September 2023, following the break-up, Caitlin’s period did not return by summer 2024.

So, she visited her GP and was diagnosed with PMOS in July 2024, after also having “high” testosterone levels.

One of the symptoms of the condition is difficulty losing weight, according to the NHS, which Caitlin said “made sense”.

“I tried everything including weight loss shakes when I was in college, and nothing seemed to help me lose weight,” she explained.

“I joined weight loss groups and followed it properly but the scale wouldn’t shift.”

Following her diagnosis, Caitlin said her GP referred her to the NHS’ weight management programme, through which she began attending Weight Watchers in November 2024.

However, she found herself gaining 1lb (0.5kg) one week only to lose it the next, leaving her feeling as though her PMOS was “getting in the way”.

In March 2025, she began taking Mounjaro, which was prescribed privately through her local pharmacy.

She explained: “As soon as I started taking it I lost a pound a week consistently, and I was happy with that, and my friends and family started noticing it gradually too.”

Caitlin said she initially felt nauseous after taking the injection, but this soon passed.

A few months later, she began going to the gym a couple of times a week and cycling with her dad to help boost her weight loss.

She also continued attending in-person Weight Watchers sessions, following a plan specifically designed for people taking Mounjaro.

“It helps so much, I make sure I’m having enough protein, fibre and water,” Caitlin added.

“It’s been the best thing for me, and I make sure I’m actually eating enough too.”

Under the plan, she tends to have cereal for breakfast, a chicken salad for lunch and fish and vegetables for dinner, while still enjoying chocolate in moderation.

By the end of 2025, Caitlin had reached 9st (57.2kg) and was wearing a size eight. She is now 8st 12lbs (56.2kg) and said she has “more energy” than ever before.

“I used to just get home from work, get in my jammies and sit in bed, but now I go to the gym straightaway and live my life more,” she said.

“I went on a cruise last week with my family and I managed to hike up to the summit of Mount Vesuvius, which I never would have done before.”

However, after reviewing her symptoms with her doctor and developing severe pelvic pain, Caitlin said her doctor now thinks she has endometriosis.

“I’ve been taking naproxen and nothing is helping my pains, I really thought things were going to get better,” she said.

“I’ve always had irregular and heavy periods too.

“Losing weight hasn’t helped me much at all, on that side of things.”

Caitlin is now hoping to maintain her weight and stay on Mounjaro for a “few more months” before eventually coming off it under her pharmacist’s supervision.

To others wanting to lose weight, she said: “Don’t get disheartened if the scales don’t move straightaway, it’s okay if it’s gradual and don’t be afraid to ask for help.”

For more information, visit: weightwatchers.com.