// BBC UK NEWS — CRONACA
Why don't men talk about using weight-loss drugs?
Steffen Peddie prior to taking the drugs (left) and about 12 months later and 8st lighter (right)
I have always been a big lad. From being a child I was what you would call "well nourished".
When I started edging towards showbiz in my twenties - getting into wrestling, acting and comedy - my size became part of my act. But, as I've got older, my weight has become anything but a laughing matter.
At 53, tipping the scales at more than 35st (222kg), I started having health complications. It became apparent my family were worried about me.
But, at my size, exercise was difficult. I'd reached "circus attraction" level and had to make a choice.
I know people who have taken weight-loss injections and had good results. That said, they're not cheap, they can have side effects - some serious - and they may not mix well with some medications.
Also, although there is little official data on this, some experts are worried men using them are not talking about it, either with their GP or publicly.
After losing more than 8st myself, I wanted to find out why that is.
Steffen Peddie (sitting down, far right) played "Big Keith" in BBC 2's sitcom Hebburn
A recent study estimated, external 1.6 million adults in England, Wales and Scotland used weight-loss drugs in 2024-25, most buying them privately, and the North East has the highest adult obesity rates in England.