I've lost almost 5st on Mounjaro in 9 weeks… it's ‘safer than being obese' but my neck looks like I'm 51, not 31
A MUM has shared a downside of her epic weight loss transformation after being on Mounjaro for over two months.
Scottish mum Kirsty took to TikTok after she shed almost a staggering 5 stone while on Mounjaro in a mere nine weeks.
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According to the young mum, some people warned that the popular fat jab ''isn't safe''.
But despite this, Kirsty ''got all checked over'' by doctors before her makeover journey with Mounjaro - which is regarded by some as the King Kong of weight loss jabs.
Hitting back at the critics who deemed the decision 'unsafe', the Scottish mum, 31, said: ''Pretty sure it's safer than being obese for the rest of my life.''
The stunner went on in the comments: ''I had bad gestational diabetes with second and third babies and was pre-diabetic so something had to change!''
But while Kirsty may now feel healthier and fitter than ever, the jaw-dropping weight transformation has also left with another, less desirable side effect - the dreaded saggy skin around her neck.
Similarly to Ozempic, the saggy turkey neck occurs after a person has lost a dramatic amount of weight in a relatively short time period, adding years to their appearance.
It's not something any celebs have discussed as of yet, but according to experts, it's something they're seeing on a rapidly increasing scale.
Speaking exclusively to Fabulous, Dr Nora, a cosmetic and medical dermatology doctor at Rejuvenation Clinic, says: ''Ozempic neck' is becoming an increasingly common concern among patients using semaglutide medications like Ozempic for weight loss, which I'm seeing in the clinic frequently.
'As the face and neck lose fat rapidly, the skin often doesn't have time to adapt, leading to sagging and a more aged appearance in the neck area.
'While Ozempic is effective for weight loss, it doesn't discriminate between the fat you want to lose and the fat that supports facial structure and skin tautness.
I lost 98lb on Mounjaro but it's surprise side benefit that's been life-changing
'The neck, already prone to skin laxity with age, becomes one of the first areas to show signs.''
Many celebs, including Sharon Osbourne, have fallen victim to this trend - and Kirsty, unfortunately, is no exception.
Taking to TikTok in a desperate attempt to find a fix, she said: ''Really putting myself out there but mounjaro guys...what are we doing about this neck?
Everything you need to know about fat jabs
Weight loss jabs are all the rage as studies and patient stories reveal they help people shed flab at almost unbelievable rates, as well as appearing to reduce the risk of serious diseases.
Wegovy – a modified version of type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic – and Mounjaro are the leading weight loss injections used in the UK.
Wegovy, real name semaglutide, has been used on the NHS for years while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a newer and more powerful addition to the market.
Mounjaro accounts for most private prescriptions for weight loss and is set to join Wegovy as an NHS staple this year.
How do they work?
The jabs work by suppressing your appetite, making you eat less so your body burns fat for energy instead and you lose weight.
They do this my mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which signals to the brain when the stomach is full, so the drugs are officially called GLP-1 receptor agonists.
They slow down digestion and increase insulin production, lowering blood sugar, which is why they were first developed to treat type 2 diabetes in which patients' sugar levels are too high.
Can I get them?
NHS prescriptions of weight loss drugs, mainly Wegovy and an older version called Saxenda (chemical name liraglutide), are controlled through specialist weight loss clinics.
Typically a patient will have to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, classifying them as medically obese, and also have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure.
GPs generally do not prescribe the drugs for weight loss.
Private prescribers offer the jabs, most commonly Mounjaro, to anyone who is obese (BMI of 30+) or overweight (BMI 25-30) with a weight-related health risk.
Private pharmacies have been rapped for handing them out too easily and video calls or face-to-face appointments are now mandatory to check a patient is being truthful about their size and health.
Are there any risks?
Yes – side effects are common but most are relatively mild.
Around half of people taking the drug experience gut issues, including sickness, bloating, acid reflux, constipation and diarrhoea.
Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and clinical consultant at patient.info, said: 'One of the more uncommon side effects is severe acute pancreatitis, which is extremely painful and happens to one in 500 people.'
Other uncommon side effects include altered taste, kidney problems, allergic reactions, gallbladder problems and hypoglycemia.
Evidence has so far been inconclusive about whether the injections are damaging to patients' mental health.
Figures obtained by The Sun show that, up to January 2025, 85 patient deaths in the UK were suspected to be linked to the medicines.
''31 and looking 51!'' the mortified mum said in the video where she showed the saggy turkey neck, with a bunch of skin hanging.
'I actually put weight back on to try get rid'
Since uploading the video on TikTok, the clip has taken the internet by storm, winning Kirsty more than 250k views, over 800 likes and close to 400 shares.
Dozens flooded to comments where many shared their experience with the popular medication.
One person said: ''I lost 10 stone in 2018 naturally. this happens soon after weight loss but it gets better within a few months it looks much better.''
Meanwhile, someone else thought: ''You have your health back, and a brand new baby by the looks of it.
''Neck wrinkles are a strange thing to be concerned about right now.''
A third chimed in: ''Unfortunately mine looks just like yours. I've tried literally everything. I'm having chin lipo and surgery since that's the only thing to actually get rid of it.''
''Omg this is me. I actually put weight back on to try get rid. Made me so depressed,'' another shared their bizarre solution.
What are the other side effects of weight loss jabs?
Like any medication, weight loss jabs can have side effects.
Common side effects of injections such as Ozempic include:
Nausea: This is the most commonly reported side effect, especially when first starting the medication. It often decreases over time as your body adjusts.
Vomiting: Can occur, often in conjunction with nausea.
Diarrhea: Some people experience gastrointestinal upset.
Constipation: Some individuals may also experience constipation.
Stomach pain or discomfort: Some people may experience abdominal pain or discomfort.
Reduced appetite: This is often a desired effect for people using Ozempic for weight loss.
Indigestion: Can cause a feeling of bloating or discomfort after eating.
Serious side effects can also include:
Pancreatitis: In rare cases, Ozempic may increase the risk of inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis, which can cause severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Kidney problems: There have been reports of kidney issues, including kidney failure, though this is uncommon.
Thyroid tumors: There's a potential increased risk of thyroid cancer, although this risk is based on animal studies. It is not confirmed in humans, but people with a history of thyroid cancer should avoid Ozempic.
Vision problems: Rapid changes in blood sugar levels may affect vision, and some people have reported blurry vision when taking Ozempic.
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): Especially if used with other medications like sulfonylureas or insulin.
Be aware of the dangers
Those debating whether to start using Mounjaro should know that it can have fatal consequences.
And experts and NHS medics have shared a stern warning about the dangers of taking such medications without a prescription.
Sun GP Dr Zoe Williams acknowledged that Mounjaro, which could soon be rolled out on the NHS, can save the lives of people with 'life-threatening levels of obesity.'
But despite this, the NHS advised people to 'never take an anti-obesity medicine if it has not been prescribed to you.'
The NHS warned: "These types of medicines may not be safe for you and can cause serious side effects.'
Mounjaro works by suppressing your appetite, making you feel fuller for longer.
The injections, which are administered every seven days, are licensed for patients with type 2 diabetes.
They are also available to assist those who are clinically obese (with a Body Mass Index of 30 or over).
The drugs, which have been widely regarded as 'fat jabs', can be prescribed by a practitioner - such as a doctor, nurse or a pharmacist-independent prescriber.
Following the death of a man from Burton upon Trent, Staffs, who died after taking Mounjaro, his family are now calling for a probe into the jab's "potential to kill."
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