Latest news with #HopeLancasterColquhoun
Daily Mail
02-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
I dropped seven dress sizes on Mounjaro...but then 7 of my teeth fell out - and that wasn't the only unsightly side effect
A 42 year-old woman who took a weight loss jab was horrified when she looked in the mirror and saw she had developed two rows of jagged broken teeth. Hope Lancaster Colquhoun said while the injection led to her losing nine stone, which helped her drop seven dress sizes, it came at a shocking cost. 'The weight just slipped off me, but sadly, so did my teeth,' she told The Sun. The content creator, from Hebburn, Tyne and Wear, said her natural smile had always been a source of personal pride despite being mocked for her weight. But she claims taking Mounjaro, dubbed the King Kong of weight loss jabs, resulted in her teeth snapping in half. 'As I ran my tongue against the top of my mouth, I noticed a sharp, jagged edge,' she said. 'I looked in the mirror and was left horrified as not one, but multiple, of my teeth had completely snapped in half.' Seeking medical help the mother, once cruelly called the 'whale' because of her size, was told the damage to her teeth was likely due her rapid weight-loss. 'While I had lost weight, I had also lost such an important part of me,' she said. Later a dentist told her at least seven of her teeth would have to immediately be pulled out. 'I sat in the chair, feeling sick to my stomach, as they yanked my natural teeth away,' she recalled. She was eventually given a partial denture fitted which she said made her 'feel like a granny'. Ms Lancaster Colquhoun also needed four fillings and has now spent over £3,700 on fixing her teeth. Despite now needing dentures for life, she insists the taking the weight loss jab has saved her life. 'I'd encourage people to consider the jab because of how life-changing it's been for me,' she said. Experts warn weight loss jabs can increase a patient's risk of dehydration, which as a consequence can reduce saliva production in the mouth. This in turn can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, as saliva plays a vital role in washing away food particles and neutralizing acids produced by bacteria. The loss of her teeth wasn't the only negative side effect Ms Lancaster Colquhoun claims to have experienced from taking Mounjaro. She also said that as she slimmed down she was left with large quantities of excess skin, she compared her stomach to 'a bulldog's face'. Mounjaro is the brand name for tirzepatide, a weight loss injection which works by suppressing your appetite, making you feel fuller for longer. Ms Lancaster Colquhoun, originally from Texas in the US, said she was prescribed the drug after battling with her weight for years. She weighed more than 18 stone at her heaviest, wearing size 22 clothes, which left her in fear of being stared at or judged even at celebratory occasions like her sister's wedding. 'While everyone was getting their glam done, I was helping set up because, at that point, my looks didn't matter,' she said. She also recalled being cruelly shamed on social media by total strangers. 'Once, I got a call from my niece saying someone took a photo of me at our local grocery store and captioned it, "Whales shouldn't be put in clothes",' she said. Eventually the mental toll of fearing judgement over her weight left her afraid to leave the house. Despite trying to lose weight by going to the gym, consulting with a dietitian, and other weight loss medications, she had little to no success. It was only after she was rushed to hospital with 'dangerously high' blood sugar levels and was diagnosed with diabetes, that her doctor suggested Mounjaro. Ms Lancaster Colquhoun described the positive effects of the Mounjaro jab which she was prescribed by private provider as 'life changing'. She also shared she 'never felt more beautiful' when she got married to her now husband Dean Colquhoun on April 17, 2024. Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Mounjaro responding to Ms Lancaster Colquhoun's story, said: 'Patient safety is Lilly's top priority, and we take any reports regarding patient safety extremely seriously. 'Regulatory agencies conduct extensive independent assessments of the benefits and risks of every new medicine. 'Lilly is committed to continually monitoring, evaluating, and reporting safety data to ensure the latest information is available for regulators and prescribers.' To ensure you are getting 'genuine Lilly medicine' they advised patients consult their doctor or other health care professionals about any side effects.
Daily Mail
02-06-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
I was horrified by how I looked at my sister's wedding - so I used weight loss jabs to lose 9 stone for my own big day - there were some grim side effects but it was worth it
A mother who was 'horrified' after seeing how she looked at her sister's wedding has called Mounjaro a 'lifeline' after losing 9st using the skinny jab. Hope Lancaster Colquhoun, who is originally from Texas but now lives in Hebburn, Tyne and Wear, says her relationship with food had always been a challenge. She'd often overindulge in sweets, crisps and chocolate as part of a reward, or whenever feeling low, with no limits. At her heaviest, she weighed 18st 8lbs. Hope's turning point came after seeing the snaps from her sister's wedding where she was a bridesmaid, leaving her 'horrified'. The 42-year-old knew something needed to change, especially when she was rushed to hospital as her body had started to shut down due to the pressure of her weight. She was prescribed Mounjaro, an injection used to treat diabetes and help with weight loss - and has lost a staggering nine stone in just over two years. 'On my sister's wedding day, I felt defeated,' the content creator said. 'While everyone was getting their glam done, I was helping set up because at that point, my looks didn't matter. 'I was just the "bigger one" in the background. 'I dreaded walking down the aisle, as I knew people would look at me and judge how heavy I was. 'I've always been made fun of. 'Once, I got a call from my niece saying someone took a photo of me at our local grocery store and captioned it: "Whales shouldn't be put in clothes". 'Even to this day, I struggle wearing shorts in public out of fear my photo might get taken again. 'People have nicknamed me "marshmallow". 'It's been isolating and made me deeply self-conscious. 'I didn't leave the house except for groceries or to pick up my kids from school. 'Scrolling on social media or watching TV became quite tough. 'There was a constant reminder that I should be thin. 'If I wanted to be accepted, or partake in certain trends, I had to lose weight. 'I was a complete shell of myself, with no social life, happiness or motivation. 'Not only that, my health was suffering, too.' Hope used to have McDonald's for breakfast, followed by leftovers from the night before for lunch and carbohydrate-heavy dinners, such as pasta and chips. She had tried to lose weight naturally, including going to the gym, having consultations with a dietitian and using other weight loss medications. Unfortunately, this had little-to-no success. After months of unexplained illness and frequent fainting episodes, she was rushed to hospital as her blood sugar levels were 'dangerously high'. Hope was diagnosed with diabetes and prescribed Mounjaro by Oushk Pharmacy for £189 a month to help manage this. And the effects were 'life-changing'. She said: 'The weight just slipped off me. 'Not only that, my blood sugar levels improved and I felt like a totally new person. 'I couldn't believe it. 'It was like I had found the answer I'd been searching for my whole life.' Hope switched up her diet to include lots of fruit and vegetables, as well as healthy protein such as lean chicken – and at least five litres of water. She joined a gym and used to chase her sister's spider monkeys around the house. She said: 'I found myself craving healthier foods, drinking more water and just overall more active. 'Within a month, I noticed I wasn't feeling so depressed either. 'I reversed any health issues and was able to come off my medication as I didn't need it anymore. 'My diabetes is now excellently controlled – and considering I was on the brink of death with it, I'm pretty proud of myself.' While Hope suffered some minor side effects, such as regular burping, diarrhoea and headaches, the positive outcome was all worth it. She's now gone from a UK dress size 22 to an eight. Hope tied the knot on April 17, 2024 and says she had 'never felt more beautiful'. She added: 'I've completely got my life and confidence back. 'My family are completely overjoyed by my transformation. 'They've watched me struggle for years, but now they're so proud of the person I've become. 'People have said I'm cheating or commenting that I've lost too much weight. But none of them told me to stop eating when I was slowly killing myself being obese. 'During the weight loss, at one point, I compared my stomach to a bull dog's face [due to the excess skin]. 'But over time, my skin has shrunk. I've also lost seven of my teeth, with four needing fillings, so I've been given a partial denture. 'I never had an issue with my dental health before; though doctors think it's just because I've lost so much weight in such a short frame of time. 'I'd encourage people to consider the jab because of how life-changing it's been for me. Even my sister and mum both take it now. 'Weight loss journeys are hard and all of our stories are different. 'This isn't the easy way out, as some might say, as we still have to make healthy food choices, stay active and prioritise our health. 'For those of us with multiple conditions, such as myself, it's been a lifeline. 'I credit Mounjaro for giving me another chance at life.'
Scottish Sun
28-05-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
I was left with ‘bulldog face' for tummy & 7 TEETH fell out after using fat jabs…but it was all worth it for 1 reason
At her heaviest, Hope weighed more than 18 stone and was once cruelly mocked by a stranger because of her size TOOTH BE TOLD I was left with 'bulldog face' for tummy & 7 TEETH fell out after using fat jabs…but it was all worth it for 1 reason FOR Hope Lancaster Colquhoun, her perfect smile had always been a source of pride - so it was a moment of pure horror when she looked in the mirror to see two rows of broken teeth. The mum was forced to have at least seven teeth yanked out by dentists after a weight loss jab allegedly caused them to snap in half - and that wasn't her only shocking side effect. Advertisement 7 Hope Lancaster Colquhoun, pictured before taking weight loss injections, has shed an incredible nine stone - but ended up with broken teeth 7 Hope was forced to have at least seven teeth taken out after they snapped in half 7 Hope, 42, also saw her stomach sag into a 'bulldog's face' Hope, 42, who had dreamed of losing weight not teeth, also saw her stomach sag into a 'bulldog's face' after taking Mounjaro, dubbed the King Kong of weight loss injections. Yet despite her excess skin and cracked teeth - which have left her needing dentures for life - she insists the prescription-only so-called 'fat jab' has saved her life. Advertisement She has shed an incredible nine stone, and dropped seven dress sizes. 'The weight just slipped off me, but sadly, so did my teeth,' Hope told Sun Health, recalling her most terrifying side effect of Mounjaro, which is increasingly popular across the nation. "My gnashers before were perfect and I was really proud of my natural smile. I never had any dental work and kept up with my oral hygiene more than most people I knew. "But one day, I noticed they felt different. 'As I ran my tongue against the top of my mouth, I noticed a sharp, jagged edge. Advertisement 'I looked in the mirror and was left horrified as not one, but multiple, of my teeth had completely snapped in half.' Hope's stomach dropped at her reflection. 'I wondered what on Earth was happening to me,' said the content creator, who lives in Hebburn, Tyne and Wear. "In a panic, I called my husband, who rushed me to the doctor's.' Weight Loss Jabs - Pros vs Cons There, Hope - once cruelly called a 'whale' by a stranger because of her size - says she was told the damage was likely down to having lost so much weight in such a short timeframe. "I tried to cry, but the pain in my mouth was too much to take,' she added. Advertisement 'While I had lost weight, I had also lost such an important part of me.' Hope's dentist later told her at least seven of her teeth had to be immediately pulled out. "I sat in the chair, feeling sick to my stomach, as they yanked my natural teeth away,' she said. "I knew they weren't going to hold on for much longer, but it didn't make the situation any less unbearable. "I came back home that day, unable to speak, and sat staring at my calendar filling up with more dental appointments.' Advertisement 'ISOLATING' Hope had turned to Mounjaro - used for weight management and to treat diabetes in adults - after a years-long battle with her weight had rendered her 'a complete shell' of herself. At her heaviest, she weighed more than 18 stone. Wearing size 22 clothes, Hope lived in fear of being stared at and judged by others - including at her own sister's wedding. 'On my sister's wedding day, I felt defeated,' admitted Hope, originally from Texas, US. 'While everyone was getting their glam done, I was helping set up because, at that point, my looks didn't matter. I was just the 'bigger one' in the background. I dreaded walking down the aisle, as I knew people would look at me and judge how heavy I was. 'I've always been made fun of. Once, I got a call from my niece saying someone took a photo of me at our local grocery store and captioned it, 'Whales shouldn't be put in clothes.' Advertisement 'Even to this day, I struggle with wearing shorts in public out of fear my photo might get taken again. People have nicknamed me 'marshmallow'. It's been isolating.' 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. Feeling 'deeply self-conscious', Hope eventually confined herself to home. 'I didn't leave the house except for groceries or to pick up my kids from school,' she told us. 'Scrolling on social media or watching TV became quite tough. 'There was a constant reminder that I should be thin. Advertisement 'If I wanted to be accepted, or partake in certain trends, I had to lose weight. The weight just slipped off me, but sadly, so did my teeth 'I was a complete shell of myself, with no social life, happiness or motivation. 'Not only that, my health was suffering, too.' Back then, Hope would eat McDonald's for breakfast, followed by leftovers from the previous night for lunch. For dinner, she'd have a carbohydrate-heavy meal, such as pasta and chips. Though she tried to lose weight naturally - including going to the gym, having consultations with a dietitian and using other weight loss medications - she had little-to-no success. Advertisement 7 Hope is facing a lifetime of dentures after her teeth snapped 7 Hope with her husband As well as the devastating impact on her mental health and social life, Hope says she suffered from months of unexplained illness and frequent fainting episodes. She ended up being raced to hospital with 'dangerously high' blood sugar levels. It was after Hope was diagnosed with diabetes that her doctor suggested Mounjaro - which studies have indicated could, if prescribed widely, slash heart attack and cancer rates. Advertisement Hope was prescribed the jab by Oushk Pharmacy for £189 a month to help her manage her condition. And the effects, she says, were 'life-changing'. 'I found myself craving healthier foods, drinking more water and just overall more active,' said Hope, who now wears size eight clothes and feels like a 'new person'. 'Within a month, I noticed I wasn't feeling so depressed either. I reversed any health issues and was able to come off my medication as I didn't need it anymore. 'My diabetes is now excellently controlled – and considering I was on the brink of death with it, I'm pretty proud of myself.' Mounjaro, the brand name for tirzepatide, works by suppressing your appetite, making you feel fuller for longer. Advertisement This week, The Sun revealed that Health Secretary Wes Streeting wants the NHS to 'get with the times' and speed up its roll-out of 'game-changing' weight loss jabs. What to do if you lose too much weight too quickly whilst on Mounjaro IF you're losing too much weight too quickly while on Mounjaro, it's important to take action to avoid potential health risks like muscle loss, malnutrition, dehydration, and fatigue. Here's what you can do: Evaluate Your Caloric Intake Mounjaro reduces appetite, which can make it easy to eat too little. If you're losing weight too fast (more than two to three lbs per week after the initial adjustment period), try: Tracking your food intake to ensure you're eating enough calories (apps like MyFitnessPal can help). Increasing protein intake to preserve muscle mass (aim for 0.6–1g per pound of body weight). Adding healthy fats and complex carbs (e.g., avocados, nuts, whole grains) for balanced energy. Adjust Your Dosage (With Doctor's Approval) If your weight loss is too rapid or causing side effects, your doctor may: Pause dose increases or lower your dosage. Adjust your treatment plan to stabilise your weight loss. Strength Training & Exercise To prevent muscle loss: Incorporate resistance training at least two to three times per week. Stay active with low-impact exercises like walking or yoga. Hydrate & Manage Electrolytes Drink enough water (Mounjaro can reduce thirst). Electrolytes matter - Consider adding magnesium, sodium, and potassium if you feel weak or fatigued. Monitor for Malnutrition & Deficiencies Rapid weight loss can cause vitamin/mineral deficiencies (especially B12, iron, and electrolytes). If you experience: Fatigue, hair loss, or dizziness, ask your doctor about supplements. Consider Further Medical Guidance If your weight loss is excessive or causing health concerns, speak with your healthcare provider. They might adjust your dosage, diet, or exercise plan to help stabilise your weight loss. Tirzepatide - which can be prescribed privately in the UK - has been approved for NHS use by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. NHS England is rolling out the medication, starting with the highest-priority patients — 220,000 over three years. But Mr Streeting said: 'I want to see us put our foot down on the accelerator. 'We need to get with the times and make sure those who might not be able to afford these drugs are able to access them.' Some 1.5million Brits used weight loss injections in March. Advertisement But Hope's experience of shedding the pounds wasn't all positive. 'During the weight loss, at one point, I compared my stomach to a bulldog's face [due to the excess skin],' she told us. 'But over time, my skin has shrunk.' She is also facing a lifetime of dentures after her teeth snapped. Following the removal of her broken gnashers, Hope had a partial denture fitted. '[This] made me feel like a granny, though at least I could smile through the pain again,' she said. LIFETIME OF DENTURES She has since had four fillings and spent over £3,700 on fixing her teeth. Advertisement And more work is needed in the future. But despite her turmoil, Hope doesn't regret her decision to inject Mounjaro one bit. 'I'd encourage people to consider the jab because of how life-changing it's been for me,' said Hope, who, as well as taking Mounjaro, switched up her diet to include lots of fruit and vegetables, healthy protein such as lean chicken, and at least five litres of water. She also joined a gym, and stayed active by chasing her sister's spider monkeys around the house. 'Even my sister and mum both take it now. Advertisement 'Weight loss journeys are hard and all of our stories are different. 'This isn't the easy way out, as some might say, as we still have to make healthy food choices, stay active and prioritise our health. 'For those of us with multiple conditions, such as myself, it's been a lifeline. 'I credit Mounjaro for giving me another chance at life.' 7 Hope's teeth when they started looking brown and yellow from decay Advertisement 7 Despite her turmoil, Hope doesn't regret her decision to inject Mounjaro On April 17, 2024, Hope tied the knot - and the mum had 'never felt more beautiful'. 'I've completely got my life and confidence back,' said Hope, who has suffered from other - minor - side effects including regular burping, diarrhoea and headaches. 'My family are completely overjoyed by my transformation. They've watched me struggle for years, but now they're so proud of the person I've become. 'People have said I'm cheating or [are] commenting that I've lost too much weight. But none of them told me to stop eating when I was slowly killing myself being obese.' Advertisement She added: 'I feel like a totally new person. I can't believe it. 'It's like I've found the answer I've been searching for my whole life.' The Sun has contacted Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Mounjaro, for a comment. It said: "Patient safety is Lilly's top priority, and we take any reports regarding patient safety extremely seriously. "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 to ensure the latest information is available for regulators and prescribers. Advertisement "We encourage patients to consult their doctor or other healthcare professional regarding any possible side effects they may be experiencing and to ensure that they are getting genuine Lilly medicine."
The Sun
28-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
I was left with ‘bulldog face' for tummy & 7 TEETH fell out after using fat jabs…but it was all worth it for 1 reason
FOR Hope Lancaster Colquhoun, her perfect smile had always been a source of pride - so it was a moment of pure horror when she looked in the mirror to see two rows of broken teeth. The mum was forced to have at least seven teeth yanked out by dentists after a weight loss jab allegedly caused them to snap in half - and that wasn't her only shocking side effect. 7 7 7 Hope, 42, who had dreamed of losing weight not teeth, also saw her stomach sag into a 'bulldog's face' after taking Mounjaro, dubbed the King Kong of weight loss injections. Yet despite her excess skin and cracked teeth - which have left her needing dentures for life - she insists the prescription-only so-called 'fat jab' has saved her life. She has shed an incredible nine stone, and dropped seven dress sizes. 'The weight just slipped off me, but sadly, so did my teeth,' Hope told Sun Health, recalling her most terrifying side effect of Mounjaro, which is increasingly popular across the nation. "My gnashers before were perfect and I was really proud of my natural smile. I never had any dental work and kept up with my oral hygiene more than most people I knew. "But one day, I noticed they felt different. 'As I ran my tongue against the top of my mouth, I noticed a sharp, jagged edge. 'I looked in the mirror and was left horrified as not one, but multiple, of my teeth had completely snapped in half.' Hope's stomach dropped at her reflection. 'I wondered what on Earth was happening to me,' said the content creator, who lives in Hebburn, Tyne and Wear. "In a panic, I called my husband, who rushed me to the doctor's.' Weight Loss Jabs - Pros vs Cons There, Hope - once cruelly called a 'whale' by a stranger because of her size - says she was told the damage was likely down to having lost so much weight in such a short timeframe. "I tried to cry, but the pain in my mouth was too much to take,' she added. 'While I had lost weight, I had also lost such an important part of me.' Hope's dentist later told her at least seven of her teeth had to be immediately pulled out. "I sat in the chair, feeling sick to my stomach, as they yanked my natural teeth away,' she said. "I knew they weren't going to hold on for much longer, but it didn't make the situation any less unbearable. "I came back home that day, unable to speak, and sat staring at my calendar filling up with more dental appointments.' 'ISOLATING' Hope had turned to Mounjaro - used for weight management and to treat diabetes in adults - after a years-long battle with her weight had rendered her 'a complete shell' of herself. At her heaviest, she weighed more than 18 stone. Wearing size 22 clothes, Hope lived in fear of being stared at and judged by others - including at her own sister's wedding. 'On my sister's wedding day, I felt defeated,' admitted Hope, originally from Texas, US. 'While everyone was getting their glam done, I was helping set up because, at that point, my looks didn't matter. I was just the 'bigger one' in the background. I dreaded walking down the aisle, as I knew people would look at me and judge how heavy I was. 'I've always been made fun of. Once, I got a call from my niece saying someone took a photo of me at our local grocery store and captioned it, 'Whales shouldn't be put in clothes.' 'Even to this day, I struggle with wearing shorts in public out of fear my photo might get taken again. People have nicknamed me 'marshmallow'. It's been isolating.' 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. Feeling 'deeply self-conscious', Hope eventually confined herself to home. 'I didn't leave the house except for groceries or to pick up my kids from school,' she told us. 'Scrolling on social media or watching TV became quite tough. 'There was a constant reminder that I should be thin. 'If I wanted to be accepted, or partake in certain trends, I had to lose weight. 'I was a complete shell of myself, with no social life, happiness or motivation. 'Not only that, my health was suffering, too.' Back then, Hope would eat McDonald's for breakfast, followed by leftovers from the previous night for lunch. For dinner, she'd have a carbohydrate-heavy meal, such as pasta and chips. Though she tried to lose weight naturally - including going to the gym, having consultations with a dietitian and using other weight loss medications - she had little-to-no success. 7 As well as the devastating impact on her mental health and social life, Hope says she suffered from months of unexplained illness and frequent fainting episodes. She ended up being raced to hospital with 'dangerously high' blood sugar levels. It was after Hope was diagnosed with diabetes that her doctor suggested Mounjaro - which studies have indicated could, if prescribed widely, slash heart attack and cancer rates. Hope was prescribed the jab by Oushk Pharmacy for £189 a month to help her manage her condition. And the effects, she says, were 'life-changing'. 'I found myself craving healthier foods, drinking more water and just overall more active,' said Hope, who now wears size eight clothes and feels like a 'new person'. 'Within a month, I noticed I wasn't feeling so depressed either. I reversed any health issues and was able to come off my medication as I didn't need it anymore. 'My diabetes is now excellently controlled – and considering I was on the brink of death with it, I'm pretty proud of myself.' Mounjaro, the brand name for tirzepatide, works by suppressing your appetite, making you feel fuller for longer. This week, The Sun revealed that Health Secretary Wes Streeting wants the NHS to 'get with the times' and speed up its roll-out of 'game-changing' weight loss jabs. What to do if you lose too much weight too quickly whilst on Mounjaro IF you're losing too much weight too quickly while on Mounjaro, it's important to take action to avoid potential health risks like muscle loss, malnutrition, dehydration, and fatigue. Here's what you can do: Evaluate Your Caloric Intake Mounjaro reduces appetite, which can make it easy to eat too little. If you're losing weight too fast (more than two to three lbs per week after the initial adjustment period), try: Tracking your food intake to ensure you're eating enough calories (apps like MyFitnessPal can help). Increasing protein intake to preserve muscle mass (aim for 0.6–1g per pound of body weight). Adding healthy fats and complex carbs (e.g., avocados, nuts, whole grains) for balanced energy. Adjust Your Dosage (With Doctor's Approval) If your weight loss is too rapid or causing side effects, your doctor may: Pause dose increases or lower your dosage. Adjust your treatment plan to stabilise your weight loss. Strength Training & Exercise To prevent muscle loss: Incorporate resistance training at least two to three times per week. Stay active with low-impact exercises like walking or yoga. Hydrate & Manage Electrolytes Drink enough water (Mounjaro can reduce thirst). Electrolytes matter - Consider adding magnesium, sodium, and potassium if you feel weak or fatigued. Monitor for Malnutrition & Deficiencies Rapid weight loss can cause vitamin/mineral deficiencies (especially B12, iron, and electrolytes). If you experience: Fatigue, hair loss, or dizziness, ask your doctor about supplements. Consider Further Medical Guidance If your weight loss is excessive or causing health concerns, speak with your healthcare provider. They might adjust your dosage, diet, or exercise plan to help stabilise your weight loss. Tirzepatide - which can be prescribed privately in the UK - has been approved for NHS use by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. NHS England is rolling out the medication, starting with the highest-priority patients — 220,000 over three years. But Mr Streeting said: 'I want to see us put our foot down on the accelerator. 'We need to get with the times and make sure those who might not be able to afford these drugs are able to access them.' Some 1.5million Brits used weight loss injections in March. But Hope's experience of shedding the pounds wasn't all positive. 'During the weight loss, at one point, I compared my stomach to a bulldog's face [due to the excess skin],' she told us. 'But over time, my skin has shrunk.' She is also facing a lifetime of dentures after her teeth snapped. Following the removal of her broken gnashers, Hope had a partial denture fitted. '[This] made me feel like a granny, though at least I could smile through the pain again,' she said. LIFETIME OF DENTURES She has since had four fillings and spent over £3,700 on fixing her teeth. And more work is needed in the future. But despite her turmoil, Hope doesn't regret her decision to inject Mounjaro one bit. 'I'd encourage people to consider the jab because of how life-changing it's been for me,' said Hope, who, as well as taking Mounjaro, switched up her diet to include lots of fruit and vegetables, healthy protein such as lean chicken, and at least five litres of water. She also joined a gym, and stayed active by chasing her sister's spider monkeys around the house. 'Even my sister and mum both take it now. 'Weight loss journeys are hard and all of our stories are different. 'This isn't the easy way out, as some might say, as we still have to make healthy food choices, stay active and prioritise our health. 'For those of us with multiple conditions, such as myself, it's been a lifeline. 'I credit Mounjaro for giving me another chance at life.' 7 7 On April 17, 2024, Hope tied the knot - and the mum had 'never felt more beautiful'. 'I've completely got my life and confidence back,' said Hope, who has suffered from other - minor - side effects including regular burping, diarrhoea and headaches. 'My family are completely overjoyed by my transformation. They've watched me struggle for years, but now they're so proud of the person I've become. 'People have said I'm cheating or [are] commenting that I've lost too much weight. But none of them told me to stop eating when I was slowly killing myself being obese.' She added: 'I feel like a totally new person. I can't believe it. 'It's like I've found the answer I've been searching for my whole life.' The Sun has contacted Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Mounjaro, for a comment. It said: "Patient safety is Lilly's top priority, and we take any reports regarding patient safety extremely seriously. "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 to ensure the latest information is available for regulators and prescribers. "We encourage patients to consult their doctor or other healthcare professional regarding any possible side effects they may be experiencing and to ensure that they are getting genuine Lilly medicine."
