'I love weight loss jabs but there's something you need to know if you use them'
A woman who hit 16st 12lb and a size 18 at her heaviest has managed to drop five dress sizes after going on weight loss drug Mounjaro - but explains where people go wrong after ditching jab.
Ellen Ogley, 42, now shows off her slim figure as she hits the gym and maintains a healthy lifestyle following her stint on the jab. But while she credits the drug for silencing her "food noise" that would consume her day to day life, she insists she's not reliant on Mounjaro when it comes to maintaining her new weight.
"I wanted to make sure I wasn't reliant on Mounjaro," Ellen explains. "I used this as a tool. I've done so much work on damage limitation. I want to give others hope they can keep it off. I feel incredible."
The mum-of-three and nursery manager from Ilkley, Yorkshire, started piling on weight during a tough period of illness. Diagnosed with cervical and ovarian cancer, Ellen turned to food and wine to cope.
"I had blow-outs. We'd have two or three takeaways a week," she recalls. "My husband and I would go through three bottles of wine in a weekend - it numbed everything."
At her heaviest, Ellen had a BMI of 36.5. Doctors warned her she was at higher risk during surgery, so after undergoing a hysterectomy, she made herself a promise:
"I said to myself, 'If I come out the other side, I will try and take control of my health.'"
By September 2023, Ellen was desperate for a shortcut. She went to a surgeon hoping to get a tummy tuck and liposuction.
"But I needed to lose three stone first. I started intermittent fasting and extreme calorie restriction," she admits. "I was almost starving myself. It wasn't sustainable."
She dropped down to 13st 10lbs and had a £10,000 tummy tuck in February 2024 - but the results were underwhelming.
"I only lost 4lbs more after the surgery. I was devastated," she says. "I became obsessed with my body - pulling at it, and I had huge hang-ups over my arms."
Ellen turned to Mounjaro, a weight loss jab designed to help manage appetite. She began taking it in May 2024, combining it with cardio - and says the effects were immediate.
"I thought it was going to be another diet trend, but the food noises got switched off," she says.
"Before, I'd raid the cupboard when my husband took our daughter to gymnastics. But I suddenly realised, 'I've not touched the snack cupboard.'"
In just 22 weeks, Ellen weaned herself off the jab, replacing old habits with healthier ones. But her success came with unexpected scrutiny.
"I lost my focus. I became obsessed with getting as skinny as possible. I got trolled - they called me Skeletor. People told me I looked like a 60-year-old."
It was her husband Phil, 53, who gave her the wake-up call she needed.
"He told me I looked ill. That's when I refocused. I started weight training and fuelling my body properly."
Today, Ellen weighs 10st, stable at a size six, and maintains her physique without medication. Instead of extreme dieting, she now lifts weights, enjoys balanced meals, and allows herself the occasional treat - but on her own terms.
"I still have takeaways - but I exercise portion control. We make chicken kebabs at home instead of ordering in. If I crave sweets, I have Greek yoghurt, berries and granola instead.
"I have abs at 42 - it blows my mind. But the biggest change isn't just physical. I feel healthy and strong and I know I'm doing it for the right reasons now."
Ellen wants to encourage others using Mounjaro to work on changing habits instead of relying solely on the drug.
"If you're using Mounjaro, don't expect it to do the work for you. It's not a cure - it's a kick-start. You still have to change your habits, your mindset, and how you treat your body. That's what makes it last."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
4 hours ago
- The Sun
Beat the Mounjaro price hike before it starts – the SECRET sites which still have it and are accepting new customers
THE price of Mounjaro is set to soar next month - leaving those using the jabs - and those desperate to slim down concerned at how they will afford the 'miracle' injections. Now, many fat jab users are scrambling to buy Mounjaro before price hikes of more than 50 per cent kick in - and we have found all the places where it's still available at the lower cost. 3 3 While costs vary depending on the provider, make and dosage, the jabs are currently priced between around £120 and £220 per month. But that's all set to change, as the US-based maker of Mounjaro, Eli Lilly, will be increasing charges in Britain to 'address inconsistencies' with prices it commands from other western countries. The price the pharma giant charges pharmacies for a mid-range 5mg dose will nearly double from £92 to £180 from September 1. Meanwhile, the maximum available dose - 15mg - will rise from £122 to £330. This is the price pharmacies will pay to buy the medicine, with at least some of that falling on the customer. Since the news of the price hike, Mounjaro users are frantically worrying about how they will continue to afford the 'life-changing' jabs. On social media, those using the drug to slim down have expressed fears about 'getting fat,' with many frantically 'begging' for an insight on how they can stock up before prices soar. On one public Facebook group, almost every five minutes an influx of fat jab 'hysteria' floods in. Those relying on Mounjaro for their slender figures have shared their 'need' to get their hands on the jabs, with many 'feeling down' at the price increase. Not only are users 'fed up' and 'so annoyed' with delays and the news of the 'dear' prices, but some have even said they aren't afraid to get in debt to afford the jabs, while others are willing to use buy now, pay later schemes, to get their supply. One woman admitted she has already 'maxed out' her credit card to afford it, while someone else claimed she will cut back on 'dirty takeouts, snacks, vapes and alcohol' to pay for her fix. To cut costs, some users have even revealed their decision to " microdose" - taking a smaller dose from a pen to make it last longer - but if this means the jab has gone past its 30-day expiry it could potentially be very dangerous to inject. As a result, it's no surprise that pharmacies have reported an influx of phone calls as anxious patients tried to stock up, as Dr Leyla Hannbeck, of the Independent Pharmacies Association, said: 'Some patients have asked to buy in bulk, which is not possible or safe. "There are alternatives and patients should speak to their local pharmacist.' Dr Sophie Dix, from online pharmacy MedExpress, also shared: 'Our patients are fearful of being unable to afford treatment.' How to take Mounjaro safely IF you're thinking of starting Mounjaro, here's everything you need to be aware of to ensure you use it safely. Consult your doctor first Discuss your medical history with a GP, especially if you have: thyroid issues, pancreatitis history, gastrointestinal disorders and kidney or liver issues. Start a low dose and increase slowly Starting dose is usually 2.5 mg once weekly, injected under the skin. Typical progression: 2.5 mg → 5 mg → 7.5 mg → up to 15 mg weekly (in 2.5 mg increments every four weeks, as tolerated). Administer it properly Inject once a week, same day each week, with or without food. Inject subcutaneously in stomach, thigh, or upper arm and rotate injection sites weekly. Watch for side effects Common side effects include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, decreased appetite and fatigue. Seek medical help if you experience any of the following serious side effects: signs of pancreatitis (severe stomach pain), allergic reactions and kidney problems (low urine output, swelling). Meanwhile, Sandeep Dhami, from MW Phillips Chemists in the West Midlands, explained: 'Patients are going to pharmacies angry and upset at the price hike. "Those on the highest doses, who will face the highest price hike, are particularly concerned.' More than one million people in the UK are estimated to be buying fat jab injections privately. Here we reveal the secret sites which still have it, including those accepting new customers, so you can dodge spiralling costs. Oxford Online Pharmacy As well as for existing customers, Mounjaro is also available for new customers to buy from Oxford Online Pharmacy. An online consultation must be completed before purchase, but there is currently stock of each dose. A 2.5mg starter dose is £148.99, while a 5mg pack is £159.99 and a 7.5mg supply will set shoppers back £169.98. Meanwhile, a 10mg four week supply is £179.98, a 12.5mg supply is £204.94 and a 15mg supply is priced at £208.98. Chequp New customers can also buy Mounjaro through Chequp. Those new to the injections are only able to purchase one pack of the starting dose of 2.5mg, which is £149 a month. The standard free delivery is available, within three business days. Despite the shortage, guaranteed next business day delivery is also available through Royal Mail Special Delivery and will cost shoppers an additional £6.99. Happy Pharmacy New and existing customers can also buy Mounjaro through Happy Pharmacy. Those wanting to start using fat jabs can order the jabs through the UK-based online pharmacy and will see the injections arrive in just three days. 2.5mg is available for £149.99, 5mg is £178.99 and 7.5mg is £184.99. Meanwhile, 10mg will set shoppers back £204.99, while 12.5mg is £219.99 and 15mg is £235.99. Juniper Meanwhile, Juniper are promoting a switch to Wegovy, which sees a 0.25mg dose priced at £85 for the first order and then £149 for all orders, compared to £189 for 2.5mg of Mounjaro. At this current time, new fat jab users are not able to stock up on doses. The pharmacy has a 'Switch & Save' price guaranteed for six orders on their cancel-anytime monthly plan. There's also a 25-day money-back guarantee with 'no questions asked.' But new customers are still able to purchase Mounjaro through Juniper and are currently able to get a weight loss plan created by an online prescriber. Not only does the plan include the GLP-1 medication, but it also comes complete with ongoing expert support, the free Juniper app with coaching, content and progress tracking, and a maintenance plan to help sustain results. This plan is from £189 a month, equivalent to £47.25 a week. FOR EXISTING CUSTOMERS MedExpress Many fat jabs users have previously discussed buying Mounjaro through MedExpress - a London-based online pharmacy backed by a team of experienced healthcare professionals. Following the recent announcement that Eli Lilly will be increasing the price across all dose strengths from September, MedExpress have reached out to existing customers to understand 'how we can best support your ongoing weight loss journey in the coming weeks.' MedExpress stressed Wegovy as a 'significantly less expensive per pen' and praised their 'clinically-led team' who are available to support customers with a 'safe switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy.' New customers are currently unable to take out treatment plans through the pharmacy, but for existing customers, Mounjaro is still available to buy on their website. The injectables are available from £149.99 for a month's supply, working out at £37.50 per dose. The starter price includes a 2.5mg dose, a free online consultation, a private prescription and ongoing clinical support. The treatment plan gradually increases the dose every four weeks, up to a maximum of 15mg per week. While the fat jab is still available, there is currently a seven to 10 day delay. Simple Online Pharmacy Mounjaro is also still available to buy from Simple Online Pharmacy, but only to existing patients. Prior to news of the price hike, new customers on the site could order the fat jabs on the website by completing an online assessment. But now, according to the website, due to the 'unprecedented demand' processing times are five to seven days. The website adds: 'All orders remain subject to clinical approval.' The 2.5mg supply is £128.98, while 5mg is £139 and 7.5mg is £169.99. A supply of 10mg is £189.99, while 12.5mg and 15mg supplies are both £204.95. Rightangled Existing customers are also still able to buy Mounjaro through Rightangled. It was recently confirmed to Rightangled customers that the UK-based, CQC-registered online pharmacy had 'secured new terms with Eli Lilly following their recent price increase.' Rightangled told their customers: 'This agreement allows us to obtain Mounjaro at a slightly discounted rate, which we will reflect in our list pricing from the end of this month.' How I would have coped with Mounjaro price hike as a mum-of-two Fabulous Senior Digital Writer Sarah Bull was on Mounjaro from October 2024 until July 2025, and lost 6 stone on the jabs. Here, she reveals her thoughts about how she would have coped with the higher prices had she still been taking the drug. "It was never an easy decision for me to start Mounjaro. But given that I've been a yo-yo dieter for the majority of my adult life, I felt like the jabs were my last resort. "I had gone to the GP to ask about the possibility of starting the injections on the NHS, but was told there was no chance until June 2025, and even that would be with stringent rules as to who would be approved for it for free. "So, I decided to pay for the jabs myself. They weren't cheap, but I justified the cost by telling myself that I would have spent the same amount - or even more - on junk food and takeaways every month. "One thing I hadn't realised though, is the fact that the injections get even more expensive if you're on a higher dosage. So while the initial loading dose of 2.5mg was manageable monthly, getting up to 12.5mg - the highest dosage I reached on my Mounjaro journey - was costing an arm and a leg. "Despite that, I was determined to stay on the jabs, as I was terrified of regaining the weight when I came off. I had actually intended to stay on the jabs for life, had I been allowed to, and could afford to do so. "However, that's not something I would have been able to do amid the price hike. Luckily (at least now I believe it was luckily), I had to stop Mounjaro for health reasons at the beginning of July. "Had I still been on the jabs, I can safely say that news of the higher price would have had a massive effect on my mental health - as it has done for so many people. I wouldn't have been able to afford the monthly injections, and the decision to come off them would have been taken out of my hands entirely. "They also didn't give much notice before the increased price comes into play on 1st September - certainly not enough notice for the majority of people to scrape together enough cash to be able to continue on their MJ journey. "Mounjaro might be seen as the 'cheats way out' for some, but it's a 'miracle drug' for others - and the decision to come off should be left up to the user, NOT the manufacturer." However, the chain discusses the 'shortages across the market' and explained: 'While these restrictions are beyond our control, our priority remains ensuring your treatment continues with minimal disruption.' 'Some strengths may not be in stock this month' - 'clinical team will guide you through the best option for your treatment.' For existing customers, Rightangled are now offering a 'new 360° Switchover Bundle' which gives fat jab users £60 off the three-pen bundle (0.25mg, 0.5mg and 1mg) and £15 off the 0.25mg starter pen. Pharmacy Online Currently, Mounjaro is only available to order for existing customers on Pharmacy Online. If you order before 15:30, you qualify for next day delivery, but when trying to buy online, new customers will be hit with an error message that reads: 'Due to demand, we are currently only accepting orders from existing patients. We are recommending new patients switch to Wegovy, an alternative weight loss injection, which has no delays and is more cost-effective.' For those having previously used Pharmacy Online to buy fat jabs, each individual dose pack is available to buy - with a 2.5mg pack priced at £145, 5mg for £155 and 7.5mg at £179.99. As well as this, 10mg is £189.99, 12.5mg is £209.99 and 15mg is £209.99. However, the two month starter park, which contains 2.5mg and 5mg doses is currently out of stock. The three month starter park, which contains 2.5mg, 5mg doses and 7.5mg doses is also sold out. As well as these eight secret sites, those looking to buy Mounjaro can also still nab it from the high street. Superdrug New customers are being approved from Superdrug Online Doctor. There are 'delays to order processing' as the website is currently experiencing 'higher demand than usual.' However, there's 30% off for new Superdrug patients and 10% off for repeat patients. The 7 fat jab mistakes stopping you losing weight WHILE weight loss jabs have been hailed as a breakthrough in helping tackle Britain's obesity crisis, some users say they're missing out on their waist-shrinking powers - and it could be down to some simple mistakes... POOR PENMANSHIP Many people don't correctly use the injection pen, according to Ana Carolina Goncalves, a pharmacist at Pharmica in Holborn, London. Make sure to prime your weight loss pen correctly, as per the instructions. If nothing comes out, try again, and if it still doesn't work, switch the needle or ask a pharmacist for help. It's also recommended to rotate injection sites between the abdomen, thigh and upper arm to avoid small lumps of fat under the skin. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE Make sure you're using the jabs on the most effective day of your schedule. For example, taking the jab right before a takeaway or party won't stop you from indulging, says Jason Murphy, head of pharmacy and weight loss expert at Chemist4U. Weight loss injections need time to build up in your system, so if you're planning for a heavier weekend, inject your dose mid-week. MAKING A MEAL OF IT You may not feel the urge to overeat at mealtimes due to the jabs. But skipping meals altogether can backfire, says Dr David Huang, director of clinical innovation at weight loss service Voy. If a person is extremely malnourished, their body goes into emergency conservation mode, where their metabolism slows down. FOOD FOR THOUGHT A key mistake using weight loss jabs is not eating the right foods. As well as cutting out sugary drinks and alcohol, Dr Vishal Aggarwal, Healthium Clinics recommends focusing on your protein intake. DE-HYDRATION STATIONS Dehydration is a common side effect of weight loss injections. But it's important to say hydrated in order for your body to function properly. Dr Crystal Wyllie, GP at Asda Online Doctor, says hydration supports metabolism, digestion, and can reduce side effects like headaches, nausea and constipation. MOVE IT, MOVE IT It can be easy to see the jabs as a quick fix, but stopping exercising altogether is a mistake, says Mital Thakrar, a pharmacist from Well Pharmacy. Exercise helps maintain muscle mass and help shape the body as you lose weight, which may be crucial if you're experiencing excess skin. QUIT IT While there's the tendency to ditch the jabs as soon as you reach your desired weight, stopping them too soon can cause rapid regain. Mr Thakrar recommends building habits like healthier eating during treatment for sustaining results. Currently, new patients can get a four week supply of 2.5mg or 5mg for £150.50 instead of £215, while the 7.5mg and 10mg doses have been slashed from £225 to £157.70. The 12.5mg and 15mg doses have also been reduced, from £245 to £171.50 for those new to Mounjaro. Asda New customers are also being approved from Asda Online Doctor. Mounjaro is currently in stock on the Asda website, where it is priced from £128.98. A four week supply of 2.5mg is £128,98, a four week supply of 5mg is £138.98 and four weeks of 7.5mg is £148.98. Meanwhile, four weeks of 10mg is £158.98, a four week supply of 12.5mg is £198.98 and a four week supply of 15mg is £198.98. All you need to do is fill out a brief questionnaire and one of the doctors will review your order and prescribe the suitable treatment. Mounjaro is currently available for free Click and Collect from an Asda pharmacy, or £3.50 for signed delivery.
Daily Record
6 hours ago
- Daily Record
Doggy 'Mounjaro' could be the next solution for treating pudgy pets
A new form of pet health care may be on the horizon as scientists sniff around weight loss drugs for dogs. With many people wanting to lose weight across the globe, drugs such as Mounjaro have become a household name. Helping people manage their weight, those on a health kick along with the medication are able to learn how to eat healthier and have a better lifestyle. Following on from their apparent success, researchers are now turning their view to a different form of clientele that they believe may be in need of a detox. While many of us see our four-legged friends as perfect no matter how they look, it turns out that up to 60 per cent of dogs in the UK are classed as obese or overweight. With this startling stat, some scientists feel like there is room in the market for weight loss drugs for dogs. And it may not be too far on the horizon. San Francisco-based bio-phama company Okava have set their sites on the new frontier of pet health and are planning to run trials of a drug that will mimic the effects of medications like Ozempic. The end goal is to create an implant version of the drug for dogs, which will last for six months at a time. Ozempic is not marketed as a weight loss drug but one to prescribed to type 2 diabetes patients to help manage their condition by controlling blood sugar levels alongside other medications and lifestyle changes. However, it has gained popularity and attention for its potential role in weight loss, which can be a side effect of the drug's appetite-controlling abilities. With hopes of have the canine weight loss drug available as early as 2028 or 2029, the US company estimates the current market for this product could be worth up to $10billion. In terms of the human version, the drugs mimic a natural hormone called GLP-1 which regulates blood sugar and appetite. In Mounjaro is active ingredient is called tirzepatide, whereas Ozempic uses semaglutide. The ultimate goal of these ingredients is to leave users feeling fuller for longer, which will end up reducing their overall food intake. As scientists try to mimic this hormone for dogs, it is hoped that the drug will help reduce the begging behaviour of our furry pals, which many owners find hard to resist. However, researchers will need to make sure they find the right balance with the drug as a lack of appetite in our canine companions is normally associated with being unwell. This isn't the first weight loss drug that has been created for pets, as Slentrol was released in 2007. However, this creation didn't end up selling well, partly due to owners believing their pets seemed ill while on the medication. However, Okava's chief executive Michael Klotsman hopes that any behavioural changes in dogs while using their drug will be quite different. The planned implant by Okava has been named OKV-119 and will contain a GLP-1 mimic called exenatide. Michael told The Guardian: "What owners should expect to see is their pet eating appropriate portions without the previous food obsession – they'll still eat regularly and show interest in meals, just without the excessive begging, scavenging or gulping behaviour." However, not everyone is fully on board with the idea. Many vets are instead advising that overweight dogs, in most cases, are able to lose the extra pounds through more exercise and a restricted diet Caroline Allen, chief veterinary officer at the RSPCA told The Independent: "A healthy diet and exercise is the best way to keep our pets happy and well but we understand that owners can sometimes struggle to manage their pets' weight. "There is currently little information about proposed weight-loss implants or vaccinations for animals, and owners shouldn't rely on them becoming available. "Before resorting to these sorts of interventions, owners should seek help from their vet about how to reduce their pet's weight with a good diet and providing lots of opportunities to exercise and play in ways that their pet will enjoy." She added: "It may be that weight loss jabs or implants may have a role to play in future in very limited circumstances where animals are clinically unwell, but the best thing we can do is set healthy habits from the start so our pets can live the best life possible." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
The Sun
7 hours ago
- The Sun
Mounjaro mum admits she ‘forgets to feed' her kids because she's never hungry and it leaves other parents horrified
A MUM who has lost a staggering amount of weight on Mounjaro has admitted she sometimes "forgets to feed" her kids. The woman left people stunned after making the shock revelation in a post on her TikTok page. 2 2 Over the top of a picture of her with her two kids, she wrote: "You're a good mum". The next snap showed the trio again, and the mum had added on the image: "Thanks. Sometimes I forget to feed them because I'm on Mounjaro". "Not easy remembering these little people are hungry," she added in the caption. Mounjaro is a GLP-1 drug, injected weekly, which uses food suppression to help people lose weight. The TikTok sparked a fierce debate in the comments section, with some people slamming the woman for her remarks "I can forget a lot but definitely not feeding them," one wrote. "My son's nana is the same, I now pack him packed lunch when he goes," another admitted. "I wonder if it might help adjust children's way of thinking about food too, in this case, as I suspect you were possibly over feeding them too," a third commented. "Maybe it will have (unintended) but good generational benefits?" However, somewhat surprisingly, the majority of people praised the "relatable" woman for her comments. I've lost 3.5st on Mounjaro in 6 months but its ruined so much "I can relate," one wrote. "I don't feel hungry at all! So meal times are all over the place, I forget they feel hungry!" "Literally!" a second agreed. "My boy said 'mum I'm hungry now' - it was 6pm and he hadn't had his tea." "Nah I did the same to my cat the other day and found her trying to get into the bin," a third admitted. "I've set alarms now." How to take Mounjaro safely IF you're thinking of starting Mounjaro, here's everything you need to be aware of to ensure you use it safely. Consult your doctor first Discuss your medical history with a GP, especially if you have: thyroid issues, pancreatitis history, gastrointestinal disorders and kidney or liver issues. Start a low dose and increase slowly Starting dose is usually 2.5 mg once weekly, injected under the skin. Typical progression: 2.5 mg → 5 mg → 7.5 mg → up to 15 mg weekly (in 2.5 mg increments every four weeks, as tolerated). Administer it properly Inject once a week, same day each week, with or without food. Inject subcutaneously in stomach, thigh, or upper arm and rotate injection sites weekly. Watch for side effects Common side effects include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, decreased appetite and fatigue. Seek medical help if you experience any of the following serious side effects: signs of pancreatitis (severe stomach pain), allergic reactions and kidney problems (low urine output, swelling). "Never seen anything more real," someone else wrote. "First few weeks my kids were like 'where's the food at, we're hungry' and I'm like really HOW?" "Saaaammee got a little alarm on my phone now," another revealed. With someone else agreeing: "Hahaha same! I've had to set reminder alarms to make sure I feed them!" "My kids have said the treat drawer is terrible since I went on MJ," another mum laughed. "Hahahah these poor MJ kiddies," the TikToker replied. She also hinted that she'd made the TikTok as a light-hearted post as she responded to someone telling them it was "not that deep".
