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'I became pregnant while using weight-loss jabs - despite being on contraceptive pill'

'I became pregnant while using weight-loss jabs - despite being on contraceptive pill'

Wales Onlinea day ago

'I became pregnant while using weight-loss jabs - despite being on contraceptive pill'
Natasha Major was astounded when she found out as she had previously been trying for two years for a second child without success
Natasha Major and her partner
(Image: Kennedy News and Media )
A mum is warning women after falling pregnant while using 'skinny jabs' - despite being on the pill. Natasha Major bought the Mounjaro injections online in April to help her lose weight to become more healthy and confident before trying for her third baby.
But the mum-of-two was stunned to discover she was pregnant just six weeks later despite taking the contraceptive pill each morning. The 26-year-old has polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which makes her periods irregular, meaning she tried for two years to have her second child, so is 'baffled' how it happened.

Recent studies show that Mounjaro could 'reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives in overweight people who are advised to use non-oral forms', according to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. Natasha never knew the injections could potentially reduce the effectiveness of her birth control and as soon as she discovered she was pregnant immediately stopped using the jabs.

Now she wants to warn other women to take necessary precautions. Natasha, from Hitchin, Hertfordshire, said: "I thought 'there's no way, how can I have PCOS which gives me struggles with conceiving and also be taking contraception on top of that. How can I fall pregnant?'
Natasha Jones bought the Mounjaro injections online in April to help her lose weight to become more healthy and confident before trying for another baby
(Image: Kennedy News and Media )
"I have PCOS so I have really irregular periods and nothing is regular so that's why I started taking the contraceptive pill on top of not wanting to have a baby right now. Me and my partner, Liam, have two children already and always knew we'd love one more but I am overweight.
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"Being overweight and pregnant makes it difficult. I knew I didn't want to fall pregnant now but maybe in two or three years we could start trying. I've always struggled with my weight, dieting and trying to get to a good size and maintaining it.
"I wanted to be healthy and more confident and also so I could go on to have a healthier pregnancy in the future. I hoped I'd lose the weight so I went online and ordered the Mounjaro injections.
"I'd only done it for two weeks before falling pregnant. Every morning at the same time I take it. I wasn't taking it at the wrong time as I know stuff like that can affect how effective the pill is."

Natasha had taken her sixth weight loss injection on the morning of May 6. She then took an ovulation test that same day that came back darker than usual, so she decided to take a pregnancy test just in case, which came back positive so she stopped taking the jabs.
Natasha said: "We weren't planning it so at first I was in disbelief. It really baffled me. When I was trying for my second daughter it took two years and the entire two years I was taking ovulation tests daily for months and I never, ever got a positive.
"Then there was more panic with taking the Mounjaro. I was like 'oh my goodness, something might go wrong or there might be something wrong with the baby or I might miscarry'. I rang the GP and they just said to me 'we don't have anything to tell you, you need to ring 111'. They pretty much said the same thing, 'there's absolutely no information on it'.

"All they said was 'if you start bleeding, you're probably miscarrying and to stop taking the Mounjaro'. I had that in my head anyway that I wouldn't carry on taking it."
Now nine weeks pregnant, Natasha underwent an early baby scan due to her PCOS where doctors confirmed her baby is healthy. Natasha said: "I am a lot happier now. I wasn't unhappy at first but it was just a shock that took over.
"I'm quite fortunate that I do want to be a mum again. Having a baby for me is great and we can have it now rather than in three or four years. There's still that constant (worry that) I was on (the weight loss jabs) and there were no studies for that.

"Until I've got that baby and they are fine and healthy and everything's gone smoothly, I'll still have that feeling in the back of my mind. I'm quite lucky I took that ovulation test because I wouldn't have known and I would've carried on with the Mounjaro and that could have caused a lot more problems."
After her shock discovery, Natasha wants to spread awareness of the potential effects weight loss jobs have on oral contraception. Natasha said: "I don't remember reading anywhere or it wasn't made clear to me that Mounjaro can dilute your contraceptive pill and to take other precautions if you're not wanting a baby.
"There's a lot of people that really don't know that. It's just important that you're aware and not put in that position where you have to make a decision about whether you're going to continue a pregnancy, or have that anxiety throughout the entire time that something could go wrong because you've taken that medication."

A spokesman from Eli Lilly, the drug firm that makes Mounjaro, said: "Patient safety is Lilly's top priority, and we actively engage in monitoring, evaluating, and reporting safety information for all our medicines.
"The Summary of Product Characteristics for Mounjaro (tirzepatide) explains that tirzepatide "has the potential to impact the rate of absorption of concomitantly administered oral medicinal products" and that the impact "is most pronounced at the time of tirzepatide treatment initiation."
"The tirzepatide Patient Information Leaflet pregnancy section states: This medicine should not be used during pregnancy as the effects of this medicine on an unborn child are not known. If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before using this medicine.
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"It is recommended to use contraception while using this medicine. If you are a woman with obesity or overweight and are using oral contraceptives, you should consider also using a barrier method of contraception (e.g. a condom) or switching to a non-oral contraceptive method for four weeks after starting Mounjaro and for four weeks after each increase in dose."

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I was terrified when I got pregnant with ‘Ozempic baby' after weeks on fat jabs – I feared ‘thalidmide effects' or worse
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I was terrified when I got pregnant with ‘Ozempic baby' after weeks on fat jabs – I feared ‘thalidmide effects' or worse

Erica is not alone, pregnant women have flooded social media with their fears, and experts say there is not enough evidence to say the jabs are safe for pregnant women. GRIPPED BY FEAR I was terrified when I got pregnant with 'Ozempic baby' after weeks on fat jabs – I feared 'thalidmide effects' or worse STARING at yet another pregnancy test, Erica Coronado was thrilled but terrified. The 36-year-old had given up hope of a baby after two years of trying and the agony of a stillbirth. 8 Erica Coronado got the news she was pregnant after starting fat jabs in 2023 Credit: Supplied 8 She had started using Ozempic when polycystic ovary syndrome - which can also affect fertilty - saw her gain weight Credit: Supplied 8 Erica, pictured with her husband, Joseph Leyton, 26, had been pregnant in 2020 but gave birth to a stillborn Credit: Supplied So seeing two lines appear on the tests 'felt like a dream' for her and husband Joseph Leyton, 26. Yet they were then gripped by fear — as a month earlier Erica had started taking 'fat jab' Ozempic. Erica, now 37, tells The Sun: 'I was worried my baby might have a defect, or worse.' Desperate for reassurance, Erica turned to TikTok and a Facebook group of other mums who had given birth to 'Ozempic babies'. One new mum posted: 'I lost so much sleep thinking something will go wrong.' Others feared the jabs could be the next thalidomide — a drug given for morning sickness in the late Fifties and early Sixties, that caused severe birth defects. Erica already had children Alexa, 14, and Jordon, 19, from a previous relationship but she and husband Joseph were desperate for a baby of their own. But in 2019, aged 30, she had been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common hormone disorder making it harder to conceive. Agonising stillbirth She did get pregnant in 2020 but developed pre-eclampsia and was forced to give birth to her stillborn baby. 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'Data from animal studies suggests potential for harm, with low birth weight and skeletal abnormalities.' Dr Bassel Wattar, a consultant gynaecologist at Anglia Ruskin University says it is rare for pregnant women to join trials like this, as it can be 'riskier and more expensive'. Warning to use effective contraception on injections THE UK's medicines regulator has warned women using weight-loss jabs they must use effective contraception. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has received more than 40 reports of pregnancy among women on weight-loss jabs. Of those, 26 were related to Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and eight to Wegovy/Ozempic (semaglutide). It recommends women taking tirzepatide, in particular, use a non-oral contraceptive because the drug may reduce its effectiveness. The MHRA said: 'This can be a barrier form of contraception (e.g. condom) alongside your pill, or switching to a non-oral contraceptive like the coil or implant.' The MHRA added GLP-1 medicines should not be taken during pregnancy or just before trying to get pregnant. It says to stop taking semaglutide for at least two months before trying to become pregnant, and tirzapatide for at least one month. But studies of rats found semaglutide caused early pregnancy loss and birth defects. Similar was seen in rabbits and monkeys. However, The Sun's resident GP, Dr Zoe Williams, says: 'It's not really plausible that these drugs could be the 'next thalidomide', due to the pharmacology. 'The GLP-1 [weight-loss] drugs are peptides that work by mimicking natural, existing, small proteins in our bodies. In contrast, thalidomide is a drug that can affect blood vessel growth. 'The reason for this new advice is that we don't have enough safety data to know if the medicines could cause harm to the baby. "But it is not likely they would cause such significant birth defects as seen with thalidomide. 'The fact that so far no evidence of danger to the baby has been seen, despite many women getting pregnant on them, is tentatively reassuring.' In fact, the medicines seem to make women MORE fertile and, in the right hands, could prove the most effective treatment for infertility we have seen in decades, experts have told The Sun. 'Happy side effect' Dr Nerys Astbury, Associate Professor of Diet and Obesity at the University of Oxford, tells us: 'It could be that these medicines improve conception chances, we don't know yet.' Dr Wattar says: 'It's not the medication itself but the weight-loss that helps regulate a woman's hormones, allowing her ovaries to function properly again. Pregnancy is more of a happy side effect.' He now prescribes fat jabs to women with PCOS, adding: 'We have found in our clinic these injections are the superior method to help women reach a healthy weight quickly, improving their chances of pregnancy.' But in line with MHRA guidance, he takes his patients OFF the drugs up to two months before couples try to get pregnant. Dr Astbury agrees with Dr Wattar and says: 'The weight loss triggered by obesity medicines is likely to be driving these pregnancies, rather than the drugs. "Losing even a small amount of weight can be enough to reverse infertility.' There should be clearer warnings so women don't accidentally fall pregnant Erica Meanwhile Erica, from California, credits her jabs with helping her conceive, and is calling for greater awareness of their fertility-boosting effects. She was prescribed Ozempic by her doctor, but never told it could affect her chance of having a baby. 'There should be clearer warnings so women don't accidentally fall pregnant,' she warns. The drugs' makers, Eli Lilly (Mounjaro) and Novo Nordisk (Wegovy and Ozempic) advise women who are pregnant, or trying, to not use the medication — and Dr Astbury says: 'Medics prescribing these medications should be advising women to use effective forms of contraception." MHRA also warns Mounjaro may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives in people with obesity, and recommends non-oral forms of contraception such as the implant, coil or condoms. It also says that weight-loss jabs must not be used by mums who are breastfeeding. It also says weight-loss jabs must not be used by mums who are breastfeeding. Dr Alison Cave, MHRA chief safety officer, says: 'Skinny jabs are licensed to treat specific medical conditions and should not be used as aesthetic or cosmetic treatments.' A Novo Nordisk spokesman told us: 'There is limited data with semaglutide use in pregnant women to inform risk for adverse outcomes. Semaglutide should be discontinued in women at least two months before a planned pregnancy, and not used in pregnancy.' A spokesman for Mounjaro maker Eli Lily said: 'This should not be used in pregnancy, and it is recommended to use contraception while using this.' 8 Erica, 37, reveals: "I was worried my baby might have a defect, or worse" Credit: Supplied 8 "While she will never replace the baby we lost, she brings so much joy to all of us," says Erica Credit: Supplied

I was terrified when I got pregnant with ‘Ozempic baby' after weeks on fat jabs – I feared ‘thalidmide effects' or worse
I was terrified when I got pregnant with ‘Ozempic baby' after weeks on fat jabs – I feared ‘thalidmide effects' or worse

The Sun

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I was terrified when I got pregnant with ‘Ozempic baby' after weeks on fat jabs – I feared ‘thalidmide effects' or worse

STARING at yet another pregnancy test, Erica Coronado was thrilled but terrified. The 36-year-old had given up hope of a baby after two years of trying and the agony of a stillbirth. 8 8 8 So seeing two lines appear on the tests 'felt like a dream' for her and husband Joseph Leyton, 26. Yet they were then gripped by fear — as a month earlier Erica had started taking ' fat jab ' Ozempic. Erica, now 37, tells The Sun: 'I was worried my baby might have a defect, or worse.' Desperate for reassurance, Erica turned to TikTok and a Facebook group of other mums who had given birth to ' Ozempic babies '. One new mum posted: 'I lost so much sleep thinking something will go wrong.' Others feared the jabs could be the next thalidomide — a drug given for morning sickness in the late Fifties and early Sixties, that caused severe birth defects. Erica already had children Alexa, 14, and Jordon, 19, from a previous relationship but she and husband Joseph were desperate for a baby of their own. But in 2019, aged 30, she had been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common hormone disorder making it harder to conceive. Agonising stillbirth She did get pregnant in 2020 but developed pre-eclampsia and was forced to give birth to her stillborn baby. 'It left such a huge hole in my heart that I thought would never be filled,' she says. Weight Loss Jabs - Pros vs Cons 'I really started to believe it might never happen again.' Fearing she may never conceive, Erica focused on something she felt she could control — her weight. Shortly before her PCOS diagnosis, a symptom of which is weight gain, she had piled on the pounds and reached 16st 4lb. So, in 2023, fed up with diet fails, she started on Ozempic, which mimics the gut hormone GLP-1 that is released after eating and works to slow food's movement through the gut so you feel full for longer. Ozempic is approved in the UK only for type 2 diabetes but in the US off-label for weight loss. In the UK, its equivalent Wegovy is licensed for weight loss, as is Mounjaro. In just two months, Erica lost 15lb but also noticed she had missed two periods — and a pregnancy test proved positive. 'Little miracle' Despite her fears, Erica counts herself lucky as she welcomed her perfectly healthy baby girl, Mariana Jo last year — and hails her 'my little miracle'. 'It's so wonderful to have a baby in the house again,' she gushes. 'Mariana Jo laughs at everything and has developed a fondness for animals. While she will never replace the baby we lost, she brings so much joy to all of us.' But Erica was right to worry — we do not know the effects the 'miracle' weight-loss injections might have on unborn babies. More research is needed into how GLP-1 injections like semaglutide — the drug in Wegovy and Ozempic — and tirzepatide, in Mounjaro, affect pregnancy. 8 8 And health chiefs warned last week the drugs must NOT be taken during pregnancy, so women using them should also use contraception. The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency says: 'Taking the medicine could cause harm to the baby.' Professor Rebecca Reynolds at the University of Edinburgh adds: 'There is hardly any data from human studies to advise if these drugs are safe in pregnancy. 'Data from animal studies suggests potential for harm, with low birth weight and skeletal abnormalities.' Dr Bassel Wattar, a consultant gynaecologist at Anglia Ruskin University says it is rare for pregnant women to join trials like this, as it can be 'riskier and more expensive'. Warning to use effective contraception on injections THE UK's medicines regulator has warned women using weight-loss jabs they must use effective contraception. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has received more than 40 reports of pregnancy among women on weight-loss jabs. Of those, 26 were related to Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and eight to Wegovy/Ozempic (semaglutide). It recommends women taking tirzepatide, in particular, use a non-oral contraceptive because the drug may reduce its effectiveness. The MHRA said: 'This can be a barrier form of contraception (e.g. condom) alongside your pill, or switching to a non-oral contraceptive like the coil or implant.' The MHRA added GLP-1 medicines should not be taken during pregnancy or just before trying to get pregnant. It says to stop taking semaglutide for at least two months before trying to become pregnant, and tirzapatide for at least one month. But studies of rats found semaglutide caused early pregnancy loss and birth defects. Similar was seen in rabbits and monkeys. However, The Sun's resident GP, Dr Zoe Williams, says: 'It's not really plausible that these drugs could be the 'next thalidomide', due to the pharmacology. 'The GLP-1 [weight-loss] drugs are peptides that work by mimicking natural, existing, small proteins in our bodies. In contrast, thalidomide is a drug that can affect blood vessel growth. 'The reason for this new advice is that we don't have enough safety data to know if the medicines could cause harm to the baby. "But it is not likely they would cause such significant birth defects as seen with thalidomide. 'The fact that so far no evidence of danger to the baby has been seen, despite many women getting pregnant on them, is tentatively reassuring.' In fact, the medicines seem to make women MORE fertile and, in the right hands, could prove the most effective treatment for infertility we have seen in decades, experts have told The Sun. 'Happy side effect' Dr Nerys Astbury, Associate Professor of Diet and Obesity at the University of Oxford, tells us: 'It could be that these medicines improve conception chances, we don't know yet.' Dr Wattar says: 'It's not the medication itself but the weight-loss that helps regulate a woman's hormones, allowing her ovaries to function properly again. Pregnancy is more of a happy side effect.' He now prescribes fat jabs to women with PCOS, adding: 'We have found in our clinic these injections are the superior method to help women reach a healthy weight quickly, improving their chances of pregnancy.' But in line with MHRA guidance, he takes his patients OFF the drugs up to two months before couples try to get pregnant. Dr Astbury agrees with Dr Wattar and says: 'The weight loss triggered by obesity medicines is likely to be driving these pregnancies, rather than the drugs. "Losing even a small amount of weight can be enough to reverse infertility.' Meanwhile Erica, from California, credits her jabs with helping her conceive, and is calling for greater awareness of their fertility-boosting effects. She was prescribed Ozempic by her doctor, but never told it could affect her chance of having a baby. 'There should be clearer warnings so women don't accidentally fall pregnant,' she warns. The drugs' makers, Eli Lilly (Mounjaro) and Novo Nordisk (Wegovy and Ozempic) advise women who are pregnant, or trying, to not use the medication — and Dr Astbury says: 'Medics prescribing these medications should be advising women to use effective forms of contraception." MHRA also warns Mounjaro may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives in people with obesity, and recommends non-oral forms of contraception such as the implant, coil or condoms. It also says that weight-loss jabs must not be used by mums who are breastfeeding. It also says weight-loss jabs must not be used by mums who are breastfeeding. Dr Alison Cave, MHRA chief safety officer, says: 'Skinny jabs are licensed to treat specific medical conditions and should not be used as aesthetic or cosmetic treatments.' A Novo Nordisk spokesman told us: 'There is limited data with semaglutide use in pregnant women to inform risk for adverse outcomes. Semaglutide should be discontinued in women at least two months before a planned pregnancy, and not used in pregnancy.' A spokesman for Mounjaro maker Eli Lily said: 'This should not be used in pregnancy, and it is recommended to use contraception while using this.' 8 8 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 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.

The super ‘common' Ozempic side effect ‘many' will experience – and Sharon Osbourne has admitted she's a victim
The super ‘common' Ozempic side effect ‘many' will experience – and Sharon Osbourne has admitted she's a victim

Scottish Sun

time8 hours ago

  • Scottish Sun

The super ‘common' Ozempic side effect ‘many' will experience – and Sharon Osbourne has admitted she's a victim

FROM eggy burps to stomach-churning nausea, there appears to be an endless list of side effects linked to Ozempic-like jabs. But now, experts are getting candid on a fat jab complication that might shock many. 9 We've all heard about the possible brutal side effects of fat jabs - but now it's time to learn about something most will find surprising Credit: Getty 9 Celebs like Gemma Collins and Rebel Wilson have proudly confessed to using skinny jabs to shed the pounds Credit: instagram 9 Here, experts have set the record straight on a "common" fat jab complication that Sharon Osbourne is currently experiencing Credit: BackGrid Ozempic, a medication originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, has now become almost as famous as the rapidly-thinning stars who may - or may not - be using it. It's the poster child for a new wave of weight loss injections, but is said to cause 'Ozempic neck', 'Ozempic feet', 'Ozempic butt' and even 'Ozempic lines'. Just last month, Fabulous revealed the newly discovered and incredibly brutal 'Ozempic aftermath', as experts detailed some of the horrendous side effects that are flooding clinics. But not only should people be concerned about the effects it can have on skin, teeth and energy levels, as it turns out there's something else that fat jabs users need to be aware of. Millions across the world are using GLP-1 medications to slim down, using Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy and Zepbound, to drop up to a fifth of their body weight. The drugs, which have been hailed a 'miracle' by some, work by mimicking GLP-1, a hormone released in the body when we are full. While many celebrities, including Amy Schumer, 43, and Lottie Moss, 26, have lost huge amounts of weight and openly talked about using Ozempic, now, Sharon Osbourne, 72, is said to be the latest victim of a worrying side effect. While many are concerned that those using Ozempic will pile on the pounds immediately after coming off of fat jabs, according to experts, 'many' could experience the total opposite. Not only may people find it 'harder to gain weight' after using Ozempic-like jabs, but they could also 'lead to frailty', muscle and strength loss, particularly for those in their 60s. Speaking exclusively to Fabulous, experts have now set the record straight on why some will struggle to gain weight after using fat jabs including, but not limited to, Ozempic. Inside Hollywood's worrying obsession with fat jabs - and what newly slimline Christina Aguilera really thinks of Ozempic claims Mohamed Imran Lakhi, director and superintendent pharmacist at Prescription Doctor, who has over 20 years of experience, tells us: 'When people stop taking medications like Ozempic it's common to see changes in weight management. 'Ozempic works by slowing digestion and reducing appetite, so when someone stops the treatment, their body may return to previous hunger and digestion patterns. 'This can make it harder to gain weight at first because the body is still adjusting to normal insulin and appetite signals. 'Over time, most people's weight will stabilise, but it can feel like a struggle initially. 9 Mohamed Imran Lakhi claims that it is "harder to gain weight at first" after stopping use of fat jabs Credit: Supplied 'This effect isn't unique to Sharon Osbourne. Many who use these medications experience similar challenges once they stop. 'It's important to manage expectations and work closely with healthcare providers to maintain a healthy weight through diet and lifestyle after stopping the medication.' It comes after just days ago, Sharon Osbourne, 72, sparked concern over her gaunt appearance after being spotted out and about in Los Angeles. The former X Factor judge also revealed that after using Ozempic, she is now unable to gain weight. 'Godzilla' of fat jabs Dr Mitra Dutt, a GP from Lloyds Pharmacy Online Doctor, says: 'Mounjaro works by activating two hormonal receptors (GIP and GLP-1), which enhance insulin production, improve insulin sensitivity and work to decrease food intake.' Saxenda, which contains the active ingredient liraglutide, is another weight loss jab that's been available on the NHS since 2020. While Mounjaro is hailed as the "King Kong" fat jabs, a new weight loss drug dubbed "Godzilla" looks set to displace it. Containing the active ingredient retatrutide, slimmers trying the drug lost up to 29 per cent of their weight in less than a year. By comparison, trial results showed semaglutide, known as Ozempic, could lead to 15 per cent weight loss and tirzepatide, aka Mounjaro, to 23 per cent. Retatrutide acts on three different receptors in the brain, 'turbocharging' calorie burning while dulling hunger pangs. Existing weight-loss jabs only suppress appetite, whereas the new treatment also speeds up metabolism. The new drug is still undergoing clinical trials so it's not yet known if it will be made available on the NHS. The TV personality, who lost 42 pounds with the help of the diabetes drug, previously revealed she "didn't actually want to go this thin". Her frail look raised concern after she stepped out with daughter Aimee, 41, for a shopping trip, just days ago. The TV star's face looked slimmer than ever, with her jawline incredibly pronounced. Not only this, but she also left fans concerned after she shared a clip on social media showing off her shrinking frame whilst wearing a loose fitting sweater and cream trousers. I weigh just over 7st. I need to put on 10lb, but however much I eat, I stay the same weight Sharon Osbourne Concerned fans rushed to the comments, as one wrote: 'Sharon, I love you but you are way too thin.' A second chimed in: 'She looks ill, poor thing,' while someone else advised: 'Please stop losing weight.' Meanwhile, another begged: 'Please go eat a cheeseburger.' 9 Sharon Osbourne, pictured in 2013, before using Ozempic Credit: Getty - Contributor 9 Now, she describes herself as looking 'gaunt' Credit: Rex 9 Fans recently expressed concern for the former X Factor judge Credit: Instagram/sharonosbourne While Sharon was initially pleased with her results after starting the medication back in December 2022, she has recently admitted fears she had taken it too far. Revealing all on Howie Mandel's podcast, Sharon confessed: 'I can't put on weight now, and I don't know what it's done to my metabolism, but I just can't seem to put any on, because I think I went too far.' As well as this, Sharon recently told Daily Mail about her "frustration" with the lingering effects, as she shared: 'Now, I weigh just over 7st. I need to put on 10lb, but however much I eat, I stay the same weight. 'I've had enough. I've given up on all interventions. I couldn't have much more facial surgery - there's not that much skin left to stretch, pull or cut. And I won't have any more fillers or Botox. 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. 'I don't think I'll ever be happy with the way I look. 'I've learned my lesson. This is me. It's finally time to leave well alone.' Not only this, but Sharon claimed doctors are at a loss as to why she hasn't been able to gain weight back after she stopped using Ozempic months ago, as she stressed: 'The doctors can't figure it out.' But Kiran Jones, a clinical pharmacist at Oxford Online Pharmacy, tells us that Ozempic users over 65 will struggle much more than others to gain weight after coming off of fat jabs. It can become quite difficult to eat enough to put weight back on Kiran Jones Kiran says: 'Media personality Sharon Osbourne has been vocal about her use of Ozempic and has lost over 40 pounds with the help of the popular medication. 'However, she's since revealed that she's struggling to regain weight since coming off the drug, as she feels she's lost too much weight. 'While many people do regain weight after stopping Ozempic and other GLP-1s, this isn't always the case for patients over 65. 'Older adults often experience a natural decline in appetite as part of the ageing process. Add the lasting effects of a GLP-1 medicine, and it can become quite difficult to eat enough to put weight back on.' 9 Kiran Jones recognises that Ozempic users over 65 will struggle much more than others to gain weight after coming off of the fat jabs Credit: Supplied As well as this, Kiran adds: 'In some cases, the weight loss itself changes the body's needs. 'With less muscle and a slower metabolism, older patients simply don't need as much food, so if appetite stays low, weight regain can slow or stop. 'What looks like 'success' from a weight loss perspective can actually lead to frailty in this group, especially if they've lost muscle or strength along the way.' Kiran observes a 'shift' that can 'stick', as she continues: 'Many patients adjust their habits while on Ozempic, they start eating smaller meals and feeling full faster. 'That shift can stick, even after stopping the medication. For older people, who may already eat lightly, this can make it even harder to increase food intake again. 'It's worth noting that older adults are more vulnerable to the side effects of nausea or stomach upset, even after stopping. "If food feels unappealing or difficult to digest, eating more becomes a real challenge. 'For patients over 65, weight management after Ozempic needs a more tailored approach. It's not just about weight on the scale. It's about strength, function, and making sure people stay well-nourished. 'This group may benefit from extra clinical support, not just during treatment but also after, especially if they're struggling to gain weight or feel well.' It could potentially have put her in a position where it is extremely hard to regain the weight she has lost, with regards to muscle and bone strength Dr. Ed Robinson Similarly, Dr Ed Robinson, a leading aesthetic doctor, recognises that perimenopausal women, as well as those battling menopause, may struggle to gain weight after using Ozempic. Dr Ed explains: 'The only way in which Ozempic could have long-term effects like this is if you lost so much weight and so much muscular atrophy while taking the drug. 'Then it is very difficult to put weight back on - especially for menopausal or postmenopausal women who don't have the levels of hormone anymore.' Dr Ed describes Sharon as 'so thin' and 'quite frail looking', as he concludes: 'It could potentially have put her in a position where it is extremely hard to regain the weight she has lost, with regards to muscle and bone strength. 'If you are too frail, it is hard to do the necessary exercises to boost strength.' 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