Mom, 58, Used a 'Miracle' GLP to 'Be Thin' for Her Son's Wedding. She Claims It Made Her So Sick She Almost Missed the Big Day
Ali Eastburn, a 58-year-old mom from Nashville, was struggling with losing weight after menopause
She turned to the GLP-1 medication Ozempic because she wanted 'to be thin' for her son's upcoming wedding, but when her weight loss stalled, she said she increased her Ozempic dose — after which her appendix burst
A rep for the manufacturer told PEOPLE, "Novo Nordisk remains confident in the benefit-risk profile of our GLP-1 medicines, when used consistent with their indications and product labeling"A mom who started taking Ozempic to drop weight before her son's wedding nearly missed the big day after her appendix burst. She claimed the medical emergency was caused by the medication, which she said 'almost killed me.'
Ali Eastburn, 58, struggled with her 'post-menopausal' weight for years.
'My whole metabolism just changed and I had tried everything to lose weight,' the Nashville mom said, according to the Daily Mail.
Eastburn, who was a size 16 before starting Ozempic, worried about how she might look in the photos for her son Chase's upcoming wedding. In April, her doctor prescribed her the weight loss drug.
Ozempic and others in its class (the active agent, semaglutide, is marketed under the brand names Wegovy and Mounjaro) impact satiety. While Ozempic is approved by the FDA for people with type 2 diabetes and not formally approved for weight loss, it has become a trendy way to shed extra pounds.
A Novo Nordisk spokesperson told PEOPLE: "Semaglutide has been extensively examined in robust clinical development programs, large real-world-evidence studies and has cumulatively over 33 million patient years of exposure."
They continued, "Semaglutide's efficacy and safety have been extensively demonstrated in people with obesity/overweight with robust evidence for improving health outcomes. Semaglutide has demonstrated improvements in CV death, stroke and myocardial infarction. Novo Nordisk remains confident in the benefit-risk profile of our GLP-1 medicines, when used consistent with their indications and product labeling."
Eastburn said, "At first, it seemed like a miracle. The weight was just coming off.'
By the start of July, Eastburn had lost 15 lbs. 'I felt better and that there was hope,' she said.
But then, her weight loss stalled: 'I knew I had to do something drastic as I was desperate to look better. I didn't want to hate the wedding photos for the rest of my life,' Eastburn said. 'I upped my dose so I could get to my goal of losing 20 lbs.'
https://people-app.onelink.me/HNIa/kz7l4cuf
Eastburn did not clarify whether she consulted with a doctor before increasing her dosage of Ozempic. The FDA warned in 2024 that taking more than the recommended dose of compounded semaglutide could lead to "gastrointestinal effects (e.g., nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain)," as well as "fainting, headache, migraine, dehydration, acute pancreatitis and gallstones."
After upping her dose, Eastburn said she felt an immediate impact.
'The first week the nausea was uncontrollable and I had no desire to eat or drink anything,' she said, explaining she felt an 'all-new level' of 'excruciatingly painful' heartburn.
Explaining she was 'sick as a dog,' Eastburn said she was dry heaving and fighting the urge to vomit when she went shopping for a dress to wear to the wedding. She said she ended up in the emergency room twice, struggling with nausea and 'violent diarrhea.'
Still, she flew from Nashville to Orange County, Calif., on July 15 for the wedding — only to get so ill on the flight that once they landed, 'an ambulance took me to the hospital straight away and I was diagnosed with a burst appendix.'
A burst appendix is a medical emergency, according to the Cleveland Clinic, and happens when the appendix becomes inflamed; When it bursts, it sends bacteria throughout your body, risking life-threatening complications.
Eastburn spent four days in the hospital, missing Chase's rehearsal dinner. 'I just cried as I felt like it was my fault as I did this to myself. I missed all of this as I wanted to be thin and it broke my heart,' said Eastburn, who nearly missed the wedding.
'We went at the very last minute as I was in so much pain. Sitting on a chair was so painful and I could barely walk. When my son saw me sitting in the front row, he came over and hugged me for the longest time and bawled like a baby,' she said.
'We didn't think I was going to be at the wedding, much less live to tell anyone about it. I didn't care about my size as I was just so proud to be there. It was hard to stand and do the mother-son dance, but I was so grateful,' she said, sharing that while 'I was so swollen and my stomach was so puffy,' her weight 'was the last thing on my mind.'
Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Eastburn claimed the medication caused her health struggle; There have been sporadic case studies that suggest appendicitis could be a potential risk, but there has been no direct link established between the medication and the condition.
'I will never jeopardize or endanger myself again with any drugs to lose weight as that was too close of a call,' Eastburn said.
'I would say think long and hard before taking a GLP-1 as it almost killed me," she claimed. "If you care about your family or people that you love, think about them having to live life without you as it might kill you. Being thin is not worth losing your life.'
Read the original article on People
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
28 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Why bladder leaks are so common in midlife — and what you can do about it
While hot flashes get all the headlines, there's a good chance your poor bladder is quietly struggling behind the scenes and not getting the attention it deserves. In a 2025 survey of over 4,400 women, frequent urination was one of the top symptoms linked to perimenopause. And Harvard researchers note that by age 40, about one in three women are already dealing with some degree of urinary urgency, frequency or leakage. Yet most women are caught completely off guard and — worse — drag their feet when it comes to getting treatment. That, quite simply, is not good. "Women often delay seeking care because they think bladder issues are just a part of aging," says Dr. Kathleen A. Connell, section chief of female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery at the University of Colorado. "But just because bladder symptoms are a common occurrence with aging doesn't mean they're normal." The stakes for addressing these issues go beyond just comfort. Pelvic floor disorders in midlife, like urinary incontinence (UI), are associated with anxiety, depression, social isolation and decreased quality of life, says Connell. And that's not just her hot take. A 2025 study in the journal Menopause of over 1,800 midlife women found that those with UI — especially when it was daily, mixed-type or heavy enough to soak through clothing — were up to nearly three times more likely to face significant challenges nearly four years later, including difficulty getting around, managing household tasks and staying socially connected. In other words, bladder leaks aren't just about occasional accidents — they're linked to long-term limitations that can quietly shrink your world. Here's everything you need to know about why this happens and what you can do about it, according to experts — because, rest assured, there are solutions. Why bladder issues surge in midlife "While around 10% of people in their 20s and 30s experience urinary incontinence, symptoms definitely increase with age — even among 'healthy' people," says Dr. Lisa Rogo-Gupta, clinical professor of obstetrics, gynecology and urology at Stanford University School of Medicine. In fact, 43% of women aged 50 to 64 reported leaks in the past year, according to a national University of Michigan poll of 1,000-plus women. Here's what's driving the surge in symptoms at midlife: Estrogen loss As we all know by now, estrogen levels slide away in the years leading up to menopause, before — poof! — disappearing. That gradual estrogen exit mucks up the acidity of your vulva and vagina, increasing your chance of infection and yeast overgrowth. It also weakens your bladder and urethra. And when these tissues become fragile or irritated, "you can start to feel bladder symptoms like urgency and frequency. Plus, you may experience trace amounts of blood in the urine and repeat urinary tract infections," says Dr. Jessica M. Yih, assistant professor of urology and director of women's sexual health and male infertility at the University of California Irvine. Weakened muscles and tissue changesEstrogen's slow goodbye during midlife definitely plays a role in weakening the pelvic tissues that support your bladder, but it's not acting alone. Starting in your 30s, women begin losing 3% to 8% of muscle mass each decade, and that decline speeds up after 60. That fade-out is called sarcopenia, and yes, it affects your pelvic floor muscles, the ones that help hold your bladder and urethra in place too. As these muscles weaken, leaks become harder to control, and pelvic organ prolapse — where the bladder, uterus and/or rectum drop down into the vaginal canal, causing a number of urinary issues — becomes more likely. This condition can cause urinary urgency, frequency and incomplete emptying. "And in advanced cases, recurrent UTIs or hindered kidney function is possible," Connell says. One 2024 review called out sarcopenia as a key contributor to both UI and pelvic organ prolapse in midlife — not just because it weakens pelvic support, but because it sets off a cycle of inactivity that worsens both conditions over time. And another thing: If you've had a vaginal birth, especially one involving forceps or a vacuum, "this can contribute to weak pelvic floor muscles in menopause," says Connell. According to the National Association for Continence, many women aren't even aware of childbirth-related pelvic floor damage until menopause unmasks it. Tight musclesEven if your pelvic floor muscles aren't weak in midlife, they can still cause problems if they're too tense. "Stress, poor sleep and hormonal shifts in midlife can cause increased nervous system activity, which means more cortisol and adrenaline in the body," says Yih. This influx of so-called "stress hormones" translates to "higher tone in muscles, specifically in the pelvic floor," she says. "Higher tone," unfortunately, doesn't mean strong and sculpted. It means your pelvic muscles are stuck in a clenched state — like they're constantly bracing for impact. That kind of muscular overdrive can trigger symptoms like urgency, frequency, pain and incomplete emptying. And it often flies under the radar. "Many people assume leakage means weakness," says Rogo-Gupta. "But sometimes, the real issue is too much tension — not too little strength." Signs it's time to see a specialist for menopause bladder issues If any of the following sounds familiar, our experts say, it's time to talk to a specialist: Any amount of urinary leakage. Urgency so intense you can't reach the bathroom in time. Urinating more than 10 times a day. Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), especially after menopause. A feeling of bulge or pressure in the vagina — a possible sign of prolapse. Visible blood in your urine. No improvement after trying home remedies like Kegels. Any noticeable change in how your bladder functions. Still, only 34% of women with urinary incontinence have talked to a health care provider. Those who never pipe up attribute their silence to embarrassment, not being asked, believing their doctor couldn't help or assuming their symptoms weren't "bad enough" to be considered a medical issue. But here's the thing: There are so many reasons to put aside your embarrassment, resignation or hopelessness. Bladder issues in middle age are highly manageable, often with simple, non-surgical approaches. What really helps with midlife bladder issues "There are many successful treatment options for pelvic floor disorders," says Connell. "And seeking care early can help prevent issues like advanced prolapse — and significantly improve your quality of life." Plus, many of the same strategies that treat bladder issues can also help prevent symptoms from developing in the first place. Exercise and yoga "One of the biggest risks for incontinence is decreased mobility, so the first recommendation is to get up and get moving," says Rogo-Gupta. "Coordination and strength are critical to bladder control, so every person who is physically able should engage in a variety of regular strength and coordination exercises." In her practice, Rogo-Gupta advises patients to start with a trained physical therapist or trainer to ensure safety and proper technique. She highlights that even gentle forms of movement — like low-impact yoga — can support pelvic floor strength and control. And the science backs that up: Women 45-plus who practiced pelvic floor–focused Hatha yoga for 12 weeks (guided and solo) saw a roughly 64% drop in daily leaks, compared to 56% in a general strength and stretching group, according to a 2024 NIH-funded randomized trial. The yoga group also reported greater relief from bladder symptom distress, suggesting yoga may offer a specific edge, particularly for urgency incontinence. EstrogenIf the loss of estrogen is a key driver for midlife bladder issues, then supplementing with the hormone should help — right? Right. "Low-dose estrogen creams, suppositories, rings and tablets can help many midlife bladder symptoms — and prevent worsening atrophy of the tissues," says Connell. A 2023 systematic review published in Menopause concluded that vaginal estrogen therapy can improve: Dysuria (painful urination) Urgency and frequency Urge and stress incontinence Recurrent UTIs Keep in mind estrogen pills and patches are not the same as topical estrogen — and they shouldn't be used to treat UI. In fact, the same 2023 review found that estrogen pills and patches may actually worsen urinary symptoms — or even raise the risk of incontinence. (If you're curious, talk to your health care provider about a prescription, or see if an online menopause clinic is right for you.) KegelsKegels are like the best friend we all claim to love but consistently ghost, like she's a toxic ex. Case in point: A 2023 report in the journal Continence found that 89% of women understood the purpose and importance of Kegel exercises, yet only 13% actually did them to treat urinary incontinence. And, according to Connell, many women who do Kegels at home unknowingly do them incorrectly, "contracting their [butt] muscles instead of their pelvic floor muscles, or they're pushing down instead of elevating their pelvic floor." Getting your technique right can make a real difference. "These exercises help the muscles that support your urethra, bladder and pelvic organs stay strong to prevent stress incontinence," says Connell. A large 2023 study of women age 60 and over with stress or mixed UI showed that clinically meaningful improvements happen fast when Kegels are done right: By week four of a 12-week structured program, most women saw at least a 50% drop in leakage episodes. By week six, most achieved a more than 70% reduction. By the end of the program, women reported a median 83% reduction in leakage. It's important to note that "it can be hard to isolate the proper muscles yourself," says Connell, and the women in the study were taught how to activate their pelvic floor muscles by a trained specialist. That doesn't surprise Rogo-Gupta: "When women work with a trained physical therapist, their success rates can be as high as 80%." One word of warning: If tight muscles are your issue, Kegels may backfire. Says Connell: "In this case, Kegels can increase the tightness and complicate your issues, which is why seeing a professional is always advisable." Pelvic floor training tools If you're not seeing results from solo squeezes, you're not out of options. A 2024 systematic review found that when women used pelvic floor training tools like biofeedback under professional guidance, bladder symptoms often improved dramatically. "Here, a small probe is placed in the vagina, and when you contract your muscles, you get a visual cue on a monitor showing how strong your contraction is and if it's being sustained," says Connell. One 12-week program led to an average 83% drop in leaks. What made the difference? The combination of proper instruction, consistency and support. "Vaginal weights are another option," says Connell, who explains that a small weight placed into the vagina provides a cue to contract these specific muscles. For those interested in at-home biofeedback, devices like the Elvie Trainer offer visual guidance. Its C-shaped design makes for comfortable placement, and the accompanying app measures muscle strength while guiding you through targeted exercises — essentially bringing that clinical biofeedback experience home. For vaginal weights, options like Intimate Rose Kegel Exercise Weights provide a progressive approach with six weights ranging from 0.9 to 4.4 ounces, allowing you to gradually build strength. A healthier bladder starts with these daily tweaksYes, pelvic floor therapy, estrogen and targeted tools can work wonders — but you can also set yourself up for success (and stave off symptoms) with a few surprisingly simple daily shifts. "Lifestyle changes are the most important first step in controlling urinary incontinence," says Rogo-Gupta. Tackle constipation. "Chronic straining puts pressure on the pelvic floor and can lead to worsening pelvic organ prolapse," says Connell. Her advice: Maintain a high-fiber diet and avoid constipation through hydration and daily movement. (Consider adding RD-approved fiber supplements to your routine.) Avoid or limit bladder irritants. The top offenders? "Caffeine, carbonated beverages, alcohol and spicy foods," says Connell. Cutting back won't fix every symptom, but it can reduce urgency and discomfort. Be mindful of water. "People often think they need to drink eight to 10 glasses a day, but there's zero data behind that," says Rogo-Gupta. Instead, follow guidance from both her and Yih: Drink to thirst — not on autopilot. (Need a firm number? Here's an RD's take on how much water you should actually be drinking.) Avoid "just in case" peeing. Emptying your bladder before you actually need to can backfire. "It retrains your bladder to feel urgency when it's not full," says Yih. A better approach is to stick to a regular rhythm. "Go every few hours and fully empty your bladder," adds Rogo-Gupta. "Remember, there's no gold star for holding it all day." Maintain a healthy weight. Carrying extra weight can put pressure on your bladder, making incontinence more likely, according to the National Association for Continence. "Even a modest reduction in weight can make dramatic improvements in reducing incontinence episodes," says Connell. The bottom line: Don't suffer in silence Bladder leaks in midlife aren't just an inconvenience — they're your body signaling real changes that deserve real solutions. Whether driven by hormonal shifts, muscle changes or both, these symptoms are highly treatable when you take action early. With targeted strategies, like pelvic floor therapy, hormone support and simple daily tweaks, you can reclaim control and protect your quality of life for years to come. And remember: While you're working on solutions, there's no shame in using protective products when you need them. Here, find the best options for your needs. Meet the experts Kathleen A. Connell, MD, board certified in urogynecology, obstetrics and gynecology, she serves as section chief of female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery at the University of Colorado and is an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology Lisa Rogo-Gupta, MD, a urogynecologist and associate division director of gynecology and gynecologic specialties at Stanford University School of Medicine Jessica M. Yih, MD, assistant professor of urology and director of women's sexual health and male infertility at the University of California Irvine Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
Yahoo
28 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Dr. Sacha Obaid Named to 2025 Southlake Style Top Docs List
Dr. Obaid earns the honor through annual local peer nomination SOUTHLAKE, TX / / August 8, 2025 / Dr. Sacha Obaid, founder and lead surgeon of North Texas Plastic Surgery, has been named to the 2025 Southlake Style Top Docs directory. This recognition, determined through a peer-nomination process, highlights Dr. Obaid's continued dedication to delivering exceptional care and his strong reputation among fellow physicians. The Southlake Style Top Docs list is compiled annually, with local medical professionals nominating their peers based on expertise, reputation, and contributions to the medical field. The list showcases some of the most respected physicians in the area, reflecting the trust and admiration colleagues have for Dr. Obaid. "This acknowledgment is a reflection of our team's unwavering commitment to providing high-quality care and personalized treatment for every patient," said Dr. Obaid. "I thank my colleagues for this prestigious award." North Texas Plastic Surgery has established a reputation as a leader in plastic surgery, backed by recognition from both patients and medical peers. Dr. Obaid has been honored by Newsweek for excellence in breast augmentation and body contouring, and has also been named a "Top Doctor" by Fort Worth Magazine, as voted by local physicians. Under Dr. Obaid's leadership, the practice has expanded to five locations across the Dallas-Fort Worth area, offering a range of services from cosmetic surgery to non-surgical treatments. The Southlake office is located at 415 E. Southlake Blvd., Suite 101, Southlake, TX 76092. North Texas Plastic Surgery has earned a reputation for excellence, offering a full range of services at five locations across the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The practice continues to set new standards in patient care, maintaining a focus on safety, aesthetic outcomes, and patient satisfaction. For more information about Dr. Obaid and North Texas Plastic Surgery, visit About North Texas Plastic SurgeryFounded in October 2007 by Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Sacha Obaid, North Texas Plastic Surgery offers advanced techniques in cosmetic procedures and continues to raise the standard by offering the latest in medical aesthetic solutions. North Texas Plastic Surgery serves Southlake and the greater Dallas, Texas area by offering a variety of procedures, including breast augmentation, body contouring such as liposuction, tummy tucks, and mommy makeovers, as well as facial plastic surgery and Med Spa treatments. For more information, visit Contact Information: Sacha Obaid, MD817-416-8080https:// SOURCE: North Texas Plastic Surgery View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
UPI
30 minutes ago
- UPI
Initial results show promise for Eli Lilly's new weight loss drug
A new weight loss pill made by Eli Lilly helped people lose a significant amount of weight in a recent study. Taken at the highest dose, orforglipron helped patients lose an average 27.3 pounds, or 12.4% of their body weight, over 72 weeks. Eli Lilly says it plans to apply for U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval by the end of the year to market the drug. If approved, the pill could become a simpler alternative to injectable medications like Wegovy, Ozempic, Zepbound and Mounjaro, which are used to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes. Pills are easier to make and "can be manufactured at a significant scale," Kenneth Custer, Eli Lilly's president of cardiometabolic health, told The New York Times. "There are orders of magnitude differences in how many we can support," he said, adding that pills could also help people in countries without access to cold storage needed for injected drugs. Like the injected medications, the new pill belongs to the GLP-1 class of drugs. GLP-1 drugs work by helping people feel full longer and by slowing digestion, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The recent study included 3,127 adults who were randomly assigned to take orforglipron or a placebo. Three different dosages of the drug were evaluated. In addition to weight loss, people taking the drug also saw improvements in cholesterol, triglyceride levels and blood pressure. Side effects were similar to those seen with injectable drugs and included vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and indigestion, The Times said. Earlier this year, Lilly also tested orforglipron in people with type 2 diabetes and found that it lowered blood sugar and led to weight loss similar to Ozempic. The company plans to seek FDA approval to market the drug for diabetes use in 2026, The Times reported. Orforglipron has not yet been compared directly with injected drugs like Wegovy or Zepbound. In a previous study, Zepbound helped people lose 20.2% of their weight, and Wegovy led to a 13.2% weight loss over 72 weeks. Still, experts say the new pill may have key benefits. It may not be as powerful as injections, though, said Dr. David Cummings, an obesity expert at the University of Washington in Seattle. But if it's a lot cheaper and easier to make, Cummings said, then "that feature alone could make it truly impactful." Eli Lilly has not yet said how much the pill will cost, and plans to decide after the FDA reviews it for marketing approval. About 8 million Americans now take obesity medications, even though an estimated 170 million could benefit, according to Custer. He said a major reason is that making injected drugs is expensive and slow, The Times said. Because pills are easier to make and store, this new drug could help reach more people, Custer added. More information Learn more about Eli Lilly's mission. Copyright © 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
