Grace successfully lost over 55 pounds in 9 months using Mounjaro, a medication often touted as the leading weight-loss injection. Prior to using Mounjaro, she felt "very self-conscious," but now reports being "truly happy" after dropping two dress sizes and achieving a healthy BMI. While Grace affirms Mounjaro's positive impact on her physical and mental well-being, she candidly shared her experience in a TikTok video to advise others considering pausing the medication.
"Listen, if you're on Mounjaro and decide to take a break, your hunger will return tenfold after just a few weeks," she warned.
Grace explained that she stopped the injections during her vacation, and her hunger became "unbearable," leading to significant weight gain. "I gained about 14 pounds after 10 days of an all-inclusive resort stay. I was devastated," she said.
Grace believes Mounjaro is intended for long-term use, acknowledging the financial commitment and potential health challenges. She experienced side effects like "severe fatigue and nausea," sulfur burps, and diarrhea.
Her video garnered over 114,000 views and numerous empathetic comments. One viewer shared, "The weight gain is real. I gained about 14 pounds since I stopped. Starting again this week." Another commented, "Oh my god, I'm eating like I've never eaten before."
 |
Daisy Grace in a TikTok video. Screenshot |
Daisy Grace in a TikTok video. Screenshot
Weight-loss injections are gaining popularity as studies show they can reduce body fat and the risk of serious illnesses. Wegovy, a modified version of the type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic, and Mounjaro are among the leading weight-loss injections in the UK. Wegovy has been available through the National Health Service (NHS) for years, while Mounjaro is a newer and more potent option.
These medications work by suppressing appetite, leading to reduced food intake and increased fat burning for energy. They mimic a hormone called GLP-1, which signals the brain when the stomach is full. They also slow digestion and increase insulin production, helping lower blood sugar.
In the UK, the NHS prescribes these medications to patients with a BMI of 30 or higher (obese) and a weight-related health condition. Private clinics may offer them to individuals who are obese or overweight (BMI 25-30) with associated health risks.
According to Dr. Sarah Jarvis, a general practitioner and clinical consultant at patient.info, the most common side effects of these medications are gastrointestinal issues: nausea, bloating, acid reflux, constipation, and diarrhea, affecting about 50% of users. A less common but serious side effect is acute pancreatitis, which is extremely painful and occurs in about one in 500 people. Other uncommon side effects include changes in taste, kidney problems, allergic reactions, and gallbladder issues.
Experts also express concern about the potential for weight regain after stopping Wegovy. A 2022 study from the University of Liverpool found that patients who lost 18% of their body weight after using semaglutide for 68 weeks regained two-thirds of that weight within a year of stopping the medication. Some experts warn that Wegovy may become like statins, a cholesterol-lowering medication that patients often take for life.
Binh Minh (The Sun, The Economic Times)
