I stopped taking Mounjaro for 2 weeks & here's what really happens – yes, I've gained weight and I was ‘uncontrollable'
Carmel Elizabeth Smith, a mother from the UK, weighed 16 stone before she started using the injections in a bid to slim down.
Advertisement
3
A mother has revealed what really happens when you stop taking Mounjaro
Credit: TikTok/mounjarojourneyandme2
3
Carmel Elizabeth Smith got candid on being 'uncontrollable' and shared exactly how much weight she put back on after ditching the injections for just two weeks
Credit: TikTok/mounjarojourneyandme2
3
Mounjaro is used to treat type 2 diabetes
Credit: Getty
Now, the pink-haired beauty, who was previously suffering from pre-diabetes and
But Carmel was eager to set the record straight on what she has recently experienced after she stopped injecting.
Posting on social media, the savvy mum explained: 'So I went on holiday and didn't take
'For all the people thinking 'does the appetite come back?' Absolutely, absolutely.'
Advertisement
Read more on fat jabs
Mounjaro, which is known as the King Kong of jabs, is now being prescribed on the NHS in the first anti-obesity rollout of its kind.
It is said to suppress the appetite, making people feel fuller for longer.
Such injections are licensed for patients with
One jab is administered each week but the duration is dependent on a person's weight.
Advertisement
Most read in Fabulous
But the content creator explained that she became 'uncontrollable' when it came to eating after stopping the injections, as she added: 'For the first five days on holiday, I was fine, I was just eating my normal little appetite - got to about day six and I started having some dinners, then it started to be little snacks in between.'
After two weeks, Carmel had put on 8lbs, as she explained: 'I got home and I don't know what happened, but I was uncontrollable - crisps, Haribo's, sweets, cake.'
Sun Health Explainer: Fat jabs
Now, Carmel is back on Mounjaro and luckily, is beginning to see her weight decrease again.
'Back on it and starting to lose again - but yeah, when you stop taking
Advertisement
Social media users react
Carmel's TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @
Not only this, but it had also amassed 1,158 likes and 315 comments.
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.
Social media users were stunned by Carmel's claims and many eagerly flocked to the comments to share their thoughts.
Advertisement
One person said: 'Thank you for this. I'm going away in a few weeks for two weeks and wasn't sure whether to stop or not but now I'm going to stay on it. For me personally, I'd rather eat a bit less on holiday as it's been so hard for me to lose weight over the last nine months. I'd be devastated if I ended up putting on weight while I was away.'
Another added: 'I'm thinking I'm gonna have to be on this for life.'
When you stop taking Mounjaro, God help
Carmel Elizabeth Smith
A third commented: 'I was fine for six weeks then bang…uncontrollable hunger.'
Whilst someone else wrote: 'I'd never ever stop, it's not worth it, I did it once because of finance but I'd never do it on purpose.'
Advertisement
Meanwhile, another user questioned: 'So does this mean you are trapped in the expensive money go round?'
To this, Carmel replied and confirmed: 'Looks that way.'
The reality of Mounjaro
Although many have boasted about
A probe also found that nearly 400 people have gone to hospital after taking
Advertisement
The common side effects include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, which can lead to severe dehydration.
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.
And if that wasn't bad enough, doctors say they have also seen 'life-threatening complications', including seizures, bowel obstruction and inflammation of the pancreas.
Model Lottie Moss, 27, even said
The makers of Mounjaro,
Advertisement
Lilly UK stressed: 'Regulatory agencies conduct extensive independent assessments of the benefits and risks of every new medicine and Lilly is committed to continually monitoring, evaluating, and reporting safety data.
'If anyone is experiencing side effects when taking any Lilly medicine, they should talk to their doctor or other healthcare professional.'
Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme -
Sun Club
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
6 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Beloved grandma who ‘knew everyone' choked to death when care home staff gave her the wrong meal, inquest told
HEARTBREAKING END Beloved grandma who 'knew everyone' choked to death when care home staff gave her the wrong meal, inquest told A BELOVED grandmother choked to death after being fed the wrong food in a care home. Joan Whitworth died at the Oaks Care Home in Northumberland after staff prepared her meal in a way which "did not comply with her diet plan". 3 Joan Whitworth, 88, tragically died after choking on her food Credit: NCJ Media 3 An inquest heard the grandmother was living at the Oaks Care Home Credit: Google Maps 3 The 88-year-old's meal had not been prepared correctly Credit: NCJ Media An inquest heard the 88-year-old had lived with her daughter Gillian but moved into the facility when her dementia progressed. When eating a meal on March 3, 2023, Joan began to display signs of choking. But the inquest heard how a care assistant did not intervene and had to ask another staff member for help to deliver back slaps and abdominal thrusts. And, CPR was not performed due to the "inaccurate understanding of a registered nurse". Read More CLIFF TRAGEDY Woman found dead at bottom of cliff hours after pair died near same spot Following the hearing, Northumberland's senior coroner Andrew Hetherington has written a "prevention of future deaths" report. The care home and NHS trust have 56 days to respond. The coroner concluded Joan died "in a care home as a result of choking". And in his written report, he outlined a total of six "matters of concern". Of these, one was regarding the NHS trust and five were directed to the care home's operator Hillcare. The first issue was found with the speech and language team. Joan's assessment had not been written down in a formal report, meaning observations of her eating had only been passed on verbally. The coroner also concluded that a nurse and care assistant at the home "were not in date with their training in Basic Life Support and First Aid at Work". The coroner added: "I am concerned that a chef in evidence at the inquest was not aware that breaded fish was not a suitable food stuff in the diet identified for the deceased. "I am concerned that other residents could be fed inappropriate food stuffs that are not in line with their identified diet plans." Bryan Smith, Joan's son-in-law, told ChronicleLive: "Right from the start, we knew what had happened - that they hadn't given her the right food. "We knew she hadn't been looked after. "The reason we have pursued this is that we knew what had happened." Bryan added how the family had been "shocked and astounded by the quantity and severity of the mistakes" that were highlighted in the inquest. He told how many families have shared similar "painful and shocking experiences". In a statement on behalf of the family read in court, they paid tribute: "Joan was a well loved character in Blyth. She was manager of Robson's shoe shop and then moved to the Water Board. "When we used to go shopping with Joan, it would take you an hour to get past the car park - as she knew everyone in Blyth with a tap or a pair of shoes!" A Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust spokesperson said: 'All referrals to our speech and language therapy service are robustly triaged using a risk and evidence-based approach to inform the most appropriate care for that individual. This includes information on the referral form and discussion with the patient and / or those who care for them daily to gather the most up-to-date information. "We cannot comment further on this case due to patient confidentiality, but would like to offer our sincere condolences to Mrs Whitworth's family and loved ones." A spokesperson for The Oaks Care Home said: "We acknowledge the Coroner's report relating to the death of Joan Whitworth at our home in March 2023. Our thoughts remain with her family and loved ones. "Following the incident, we carried out a full review and made all necessary changes to our practices and procedures. These have been in place for some time and will be reflected in our formal response to the Coroner's report. The safety, dignity, and wellbeing of those in our care remain our highest priorities."
The Irish Sun
9 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
I lost 18st without fat jabs – I didn't cheat my way to a new body by secretly using Ozempic, I put the effort in
Kate Evans, 40, a full-time mum from Buckinghamshire, weighed 29st at her heaviest & is frustrated people think she resorted to fat jabs. Here's her secret... NO WEIGH I lost 18st without fat jabs – I didn't cheat my way to a new body by secretly using Ozempic, I put the effort in OPENING my 10th can of cola of the day and gorging on a Chinese takeaway, I felt utterly miserable. Weighing 29st and a size 32, I was practically housebound and struggling to care for my children. It was a conversation with my husband in early 2023 that would shock me into finally losing weight, after years of it spiralling out of control. 5 At 10st 13lb, Kate's happier and healthier after losing 18st without using weight loss injections 5 Kate with husband Dan at her heaviest weight of 29st Today, I'm more than 18st lighter, but to my frustration, there are people who don't believe I lost the weight through diet and exercise. They accuse me of secretly using fat jabs and say I cheated my way to a new body. When my husband Dan told me that day that he was scared I was going to die, I knew his fears were justified. At 38, I was pre-diabetic and could barely walk, with aching joints and breathlessness. I agreed to join a slimming club, but had no idea how I'd lose the excess weight. All my life, I've been big. At 10, I weighed 9st, the weight of an adult woman, because I had a big appetite. BIG APPETITE As a teenager, when I had more independence and money to spend, I'd buy crisps, chocolate and fizzy drinks. I did try a few times to lose weight in my 20s, but always gave up and put it back on, and more. When I met Dan online in 2013, after having my first child in a previous relationship, I was a size 24. He didn't care, though, and saw past my weight. He loved me as I was, and we got married in 2016. I treated food like an emotional crutch. No matter how I was feeling, I turned to it. I look back with horror at what I'd consume daily – litres of fizzy drink, greasy takeaways, piles of buttered toast and chocolate. By the time Dan had that emotional conversation with me, I was only leaving the house once a week to go to the supermarket, and I slept downstairs because getting up to our bedroom was too hard for me. 'No shortcuts exist' I'm an Irish teen who lost almost 60 pounds in 16 weeks following a routine that works wonders He had to take on more than his share, and I could never take the kids to the park or on a day trip. Had Dan not confided his fears in me, I'm not sure if I'd have ever given myself that push to lose weight. Stepping on to the scales at my first slimming club meeting in February 2023, I felt mortified. At 29st 4.5lb, I was by far the biggest person there. But for Dan and my children's sake, I knew I needed to try. So, using the club's plan as a starting point, I began learning about nutrition. I started having fruit and yoghurt for breakfast, a wrap with salad for lunch, and chicken with veg for dinner. I stopped having takeaways and gradually weaned myself off sugary drinks. Attending a weekly meeting and being weighed kept me accountable, and as I started to see the number on the scales go down, I felt motivated to keep going. I began to introduce walking, too. At first, even short distances left me with sore joints and out of breath, but I persevered and it became more enjoyable. 5 Kate ended up practically housebound and struggling to care for her children due to her weight 5 Kate lost the weight to be a better mum 5 Kate's husband Dan was scared she was going to die because of the excess weight Dan was so supportive and relieved I was taking care of myself. By April 2024, I'd lost 17st. I decided to keep going and now weigh 10st 13lb. I don't plan to lose any more, but still attend my weekly club meetings. It's surreal when I walk into a clothes shop and can pick out size-12 dresses. People I haven't seen in a while have walked past, not recognising me, and there was even a rumour in our area Dan was having an affair, because he was spotted with another woman. But that was me! What frustrates me is, after all the effort I've put in, I've been accused of secretly using weight-loss jabs. I've seen it happen online to celebrities, such as TV presenter Alison Hammond, who's lost 11st without jabs, too. Personally, I think it's cheating to use them to lose weight. I put the pounds on and it was up to me to lose them, not rely on pharmaceuticals. When I look back at old photos, I don't recognise that unhealthy, unhappy woman. I've saved my life and am the active, happy wife and mum I always dreamed of being. And I did it all by myself.'
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
‘Hundreds of sick children to be evacuated from Gaza for NHS treatment in UK'
HUNDREDS of ill and injured children are to be evacuated from war-torn Gaza for NHS treatment in the UK under plans set to be announced within weeks. Up to 300 children will enter the country to receive much-needed, free medical care, a source claims, as the harrowing humanitarian crisis continues to grow. 4 Crowds form as Palestinians, including children, line up in Gaza City, Gaza to receive food distributed by a charity Credit: Getty 4 Nine-year-old malnourished Palestinian girl Mariam Dawwas gets her hair comed by her mother as she sits with her on the floor Credit: AFP 4 Hundreds of ill and injured children are to be evacuated from war-torn Gaza for NHS treatment Credit: Alamy A senior Whitehall source told The project was set up by volunteer medical professionals to bring sick and injured Palestinian children to the UK for treatment. Just three children have been given medical visas since the war began in October 2023. The plans approvals come after months of work done by the initiative that is funded by private donations. read more news It has been nearly a week since Israel, under international pressure amid growing scenes of starving children, announced limited humanitarian pauses and airdrops meant to get more food to Gaza. The population of over two million people now largely rely on aid to survive. But the UN has said far too little aid is coming in, with months of supplies piled up outside Gaza waiting for Israeli approval. Trucks that enter are mostly stripped of supplies by desperate people and criminal groups before reaching warehouses for distribution. Most read in The Sun Experts this week said a worst-case scenario of famine was occurring. On Saturday, Gaza's health ministry said seven Palestinians had died of malnutrition-related causes over the past 24 hours, including a child. Israel to allow foreign aid to parachute into Gaza but continues bombardment despite growing global pleas for ceasefire The UN has said 500 to 600 trucks of aid are needed daily. Families of the 50 hostages still in Gaza fear they are going hungry too, and blame Hamas, after the militants released images of an emaciated hostage, Evyatar David. Hamas has said it will never lay guns down unless an independent Palestinian state is established and its capital is Jerusalem. The militant group said it was giving a statement "in response to media reports quoting US envoy Steve Witkoff, claiming [Hamas] has shown willingness to disarm". It said: "We reaffirm that resistance and its arms are a legitimate national and legal right as long as the occupation continues. "This right is recognised by international laws and norms, and it cannot be relinquished except through the full restoration of our national rights - first and foremost, the establishment of an independent, fully sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital." It comes as at least 51 people - including 27 aid workers - have been killed so far on Saturday in Israeli attacks across Gaza. Over 60,000 Palestinians have been killed in the devastating war on Gaza amid a deepening hunger crisis - coupled with Israel's cruel blockade of aid deliveries. 4 A Palestinian child waits to receive food from a charity kitchen, amid a hunger crisis Credit: Reuters
