Latest news with #KiranJones
South Wales Argus
08-08-2025
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Mounjaro 'golden dose' revealed to stop 'food noise'
One major insight from the data is that users don't need the maximum dose to succeed - the so-called 'golden dose' may be much lower. Meaningful weight loss can be achieved at all levels, and results can vary between individuals, as 'food noise' is reduced. Patient dosage, starting body mass index (BMI) and percentage of body weight lost were reviewed, to provide people exploring treatment a realistic snapshot of what to expect and show what real success looks like. Mounjaro users report surprising side effect - pharmacists share their tips — Telegraph & Argus (@Bradford_TandA) August 5, 2025 Leading online pharmaceutical company Oxford Online Pharmacy has conducted a study of 100 anonymised patients prescribed once-weekly Mounjaro (tirzepatide) injections. The data aims to counteract unhealthy beliefs that hunger equals failure, which may lead to unnecessary concerns and calls for increased doses. The analysis revealed that patients in the analysis lost up to 39kg, with consistent results across a range of doses. Kiran Jones, Clinical Pharmacist at Oxford Online Pharmacy, says: 'This study reinforces that healthy, sustainable weight loss is possible without excessive pressure or maximal dosing. 'People think these medicines switch off hunger completely, but that's not how they work. Being able to eat is normal. Success looks different for everyone, and often, the biggest wins are quiet ones: more energy, less breathlessness, and better sleep. 'Becoming healthier without extreme diets or private clinics is a powerful example of what good, regulated care can achieve. Patients need safety, not pressure.' All patients started on the recommended dose of 2.5mg, which gradually increased depending on individual response (up to 12.5mg), with 86% maintaining a moderate dose of 10mg or lower. The most common dose for over half of the patients was 5mg. It varies for everyone, but I did 6 months of Mounjaro and "I feel absolutely starving when I don't eat enough" was 100% gone. However, dosing is poorly managed. They wanted to increase all the time and that made me sick, so I stayed on the lowest dose and it worked great. — Peter Cooper (@cooperx86) August 5, 2025 Weight loss generally increased with dose, but the data shows this does not follow a strictly linear pattern. Patients on 7.5mg showed the highest average weight loss overall, showing smaller doses can be effective, and making this the 'golden dose' for many people. Similarly, higher BMI correlated with greater weight loss, but not in all patients. The study also highlights the importance of celebrating non-weight loss wins, discussing how the right dose helps users strike a balance between appetite control, tolerability and overall wellbeing. However, the experts say that they should not switch off hunger entirely - it just helps regulate appetite and increase feelings of satisfaction. Being able to enjoy food can be a sign that the medicine is working appropriately. Meanwhile, before experiencing weight loss, patients reported improvements, including better sleep, more stable energy and mood, reduced cravings, and increased motivation to move. What is 'food noise'? 'Food noise' is thinking about food even when you aren't physically in need of food. Experts say it is a psychologically driven process, unlike real hunger, which comes from your body needing nutrients and fuel. GP registrar Dr Jack Mosley – whose dad was BBC presenter Dr Michael Mosley - has written a book titled Food Noise. Recommended reading: "There's multiple reasons we eat," he says. "One of the big drivers is simply appetite, and that's centrally controlled in our brain and through our guts. "But our cravings – that internal food monologue, which I refer to as the 'food noise' – that can be turned up if you are hungry, but plenty of people, eat even when they're not hungry. "Many of us can relate to it, when we're stressed, we're not typically eating nutritious foods. We want that easy, accessible junk food. So we want the sugary, salty snacks. We want that sugar high. The weight-loss drugs can reduce our appetite and our cravings, but they're not necessarily going to address things like our emotional hunger."
Glasgow Times
07-08-2025
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Mounjaro 'golden dose' revealed to stop 'food noise'
One major insight from the data is that users don't need the maximum dose to succeed - the so-called 'golden dose' may be much lower. Meaningful weight loss can be achieved at all levels, and results can vary between individuals, as 'food noise' is reduced. Patient dosage, starting body mass index (BMI) and percentage of body weight lost were reviewed, to provide people exploring treatment a realistic snapshot of what to expect and show what real success looks like. Mounjaro users report surprising side effect - pharmacists share their tips — Telegraph & Argus (@Bradford_TandA) August 5, 2025 Leading online pharmaceutical company Oxford Online Pharmacy has conducted a study of 100 anonymised patients prescribed once-weekly Mounjaro (tirzepatide) injections. The data aims to counteract unhealthy beliefs that hunger equals failure, which may lead to unnecessary concerns and calls for increased doses. The analysis revealed that patients in the analysis lost up to 39kg, with consistent results across a range of doses. Kiran Jones, Clinical Pharmacist at Oxford Online Pharmacy, says: 'This study reinforces that healthy, sustainable weight loss is possible without excessive pressure or maximal dosing. 'People think these medicines switch off hunger completely, but that's not how they work. Being able to eat is normal. Success looks different for everyone, and often, the biggest wins are quiet ones: more energy, less breathlessness, and better sleep. 'Becoming healthier without extreme diets or private clinics is a powerful example of what good, regulated care can achieve. Patients need safety, not pressure.' All patients started on the recommended dose of 2.5mg, which gradually increased depending on individual response (up to 12.5mg), with 86% maintaining a moderate dose of 10mg or lower. The most common dose for over half of the patients was 5mg. It varies for everyone, but I did 6 months of Mounjaro and "I feel absolutely starving when I don't eat enough" was 100% gone. However, dosing is poorly managed. They wanted to increase all the time and that made me sick, so I stayed on the lowest dose and it worked great. — Peter Cooper (@cooperx86) August 5, 2025 Weight loss generally increased with dose, but the data shows this does not follow a strictly linear pattern. Patients on 7.5mg showed the highest average weight loss overall, showing smaller doses can be effective, and making this the 'golden dose' for many people. Similarly, higher BMI correlated with greater weight loss, but not in all patients. The study also highlights the importance of celebrating non-weight loss wins, discussing how the right dose helps users strike a balance between appetite control, tolerability and overall wellbeing. However, the experts say that they should not switch off hunger entirely - it just helps regulate appetite and increase feelings of satisfaction. Being able to enjoy food can be a sign that the medicine is working appropriately. Meanwhile, before experiencing weight loss, patients reported improvements, including better sleep, more stable energy and mood, reduced cravings, and increased motivation to move. What is 'food noise'? 'Food noise' is thinking about food even when you aren't physically in need of food. Experts say it is a psychologically driven process, unlike real hunger, which comes from your body needing nutrients and fuel. GP registrar Dr Jack Mosley – whose dad was BBC presenter Dr Michael Mosley - has written a book titled Food Noise. Recommended reading: "There's multiple reasons we eat," he says. "One of the big drivers is simply appetite, and that's centrally controlled in our brain and through our guts. "But our cravings – that internal food monologue, which I refer to as the 'food noise' – that can be turned up if you are hungry, but plenty of people, eat even when they're not hungry. "Many of us can relate to it, when we're stressed, we're not typically eating nutritious foods. We want that easy, accessible junk food. So we want the sugary, salty snacks. We want that sugar high. The weight-loss drugs can reduce our appetite and our cravings, but they're not necessarily going to address things like our emotional hunger."
Scottish Sun
10-07-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
The golden dose of Mounjaro that helps you shift the MOST weight – and why it's OK to still be hungry on the jab
EXPERTS have revealed the golden dose of Mounjaro that helps shift the most weight - and it's not the highest one. Weight loss jab users tend to start on lower doses and gradually increase them as their body adjusts, to a maximum of 15mg. 1 As little as 7.5mg of Mounjaro can lead to effective weight loss Credit: Getty Many assume that anything under the maximum won't be "enough" to produce results. But analysis of patients taking the jab found that most - 86 per cent - lost significant amounts of weight at 10mg or lower. In fact, some of the best outcomes were seen at doses of 7.5mg, rather than the maximum 15mg. Patients on this dose - just 5mg above the starter amount of 2.5mg - had the highest average weight loss. Kiran Jones, clinical pharmacist at Oxford Online Pharmacy, said: 'This study reinforces that healthy, sustainable weight loss is possible without excessive pressure or maximal dosing." The analysis is based on anonymised data from 100 patients who were prescribed Mounjaro with Oxford Online Pharmacy. The data was collected in April 2025 and patients who were at various points in their treatment rather than all starting at the same time, as would happen for a study in a clinical setting. Researchers collected information such as patients' current dose, their starting body mass index (BMI) and the percentage of body weight lost. All the patients included in the audit got started on the recommended starting dose of 2.5mg. "Starting low helps the body adjust gradually to the medication and minimises early side effects," the report authors explained. I went on fat jabs but the hair loss was unbelievable so I quit - I'd rather be chubby with hair than skinny and bald Just over half - 51- of the patients were taking 5mg of Mounjaro at the time. Meanwhile, eight people were on 7.5mg, 27 people were on 10mg, one on 12.5mg and 13 on 15mg. Patients in the analysis lost up to 39kg. "Our audit showed that healthy, sustainable weight loss occurred at all Mounjaro dose levels," the report authors said. "There was a general trend of greater weight loss at higher doses, mirroring what has been found in clinical trials. "However, in our audit, the upward dose-dependent trend was not perfectly linear." This means that people on the highest doses didn't necessarily lose the most weight. The 7.5mg group had the highest average weight loss, followed by 15mg. 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. "At first glance, this might suggest that 7.5mg is more effective than the highest dose," researchers explained. "However, while some patients on 7.5mg achieved greater weight loss than those on higher doses, others lost far less. "This variability highlights the highly individual response to Mounjaro. Outcomes are shaped not just by dose, but by lifestyle, health status, adherence, and other personal factors." Researchers noted that that smaller group sizes for some dosage amounts - just eight patients on 7.5mg and 13 on 15mg - make the results sensitive to outliers. This means that if someone lost much more weight than others in the same group, this could be skewing the averages worked out by the report authors. "A larger dataset would help smooth these fluctuations and better reflect true trends," they said. "Still, the fact that peak average weight loss occurred at a lower dose is meaningful. "It reinforces that the maximum dose isn't required to see meaningful results." The BMI patients started at did seem to influence weight loss results. Those with a BMI over 40 when they started taking the jabs were more likely to shed over 20 per cent of their body weight. "Patients with higher BMIs who achieved greater weight loss were more likely to be on higher doses of 10mg or more, but this was not always the case," the researchers said. "Some patients achieved significant results at moderate doses like 5mg or 7.5mg, reinforcing that dose alone doesn't determine success and that response to Mounjaro is highly individual." The study authors noted that they couldn't draw conclusions about how quickly patients were able to shed pounds on Mounjaro, as they didn't collect data on overall treatment duration, starting date, or how quickly people upped their dose. They also advised caution in interpreting the results, especially for the higher dose groups that had fewer people in them. Is it normal to be hungry on the jabs? A common misconception among jab users is that they shouldn't feel any hunger at all while taking them. This can lead to unnecessary concerns about whether their current dose is working, especially when they're taking lower doses. One of the ways GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro work is by calming hunger signals in the brain, helping patients feel satisfied with smaller portions. But they do not and should not eliminate hunger altogether. "Hunger is the body's way of signalling it needs fuel, and even patients on higher doses like 12.5mg or 15mg should feel hunger at times," the report authors noted. Kiran added: 'People think these medicines switch off hunger completely, but that's not how they work. "Being able to eat is normal. Success looks different for everyone, and often, the biggest wins are quiet ones: more energy, less breathlessness, and better sleep. 'Becoming healthier without extreme diets or private clinics is a powerful example of what good, regulated care can achieve. Patients need safety, not pressure.'
The Sun
10-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
The golden dose of Mounjaro that helps you shift the MOST weight – and why it's OK to still be hungry on the jab
EXPERTS have revealed the golden dose of Mounjaro that helps shift the most weight - and it's not the highest one. Weight loss jab users tend to start on lower doses and gradually increase them as their body adjusts, to a maximum of 15mg. 1 Many assume that anything under the maximum won't be "enough" to produce results. But analysis of patients taking the jab found that most - 86 per cent - lost significant amounts of weight at 10mg or lower. In fact, some of the best outcomes were seen at doses of 7.5mg, rather than the maximum 15mg. Patients on this dose - just 5mg above the starter amount of 2.5mg - had the highest average weight loss. Kiran Jones, clinical pharmacist at Oxford Online Pharmacy, said: 'This study reinforces that healthy, sustainable weight loss is possible without excessive pressure or maximal dosing." The analysis is based on anonymised data from 100 patients who were prescribed Mounjaro with Oxford Online Pharmacy. The data was collected in April 2025 and patients who were at various points in their treatment rather than all starting at the same time, as would happen for a study in a clinical setting. Researchers collected information such as patients' current dose, their starting body mass index (BMI) and the percentage of body weight lost. All the patients included in the audit got started on the recommended starting dose of 2.5mg. "Starting low helps the body adjust gradually to the medication and minimises early side effects," the report authors explained. I went on fat jabs but the hair loss was unbelievable so I quit - I'd rather be chubby with hair than skinny and bald Just over half - 51- of the patients were taking 5mg of Mounjaro at the time. Meanwhile, eight people were on 7.5mg, 27 people were on 10mg, one on 12.5mg and 13 on 15mg. Patients in the analysis lost up to 39kg. "Our audit showed that healthy, sustainable weight loss occurred at all Mounjaro dose levels," the report authors said. "There was a general trend of greater weight loss at higher doses, mirroring what has been found in clinical trials. "However, in our audit, the upward dose-dependent trend was not perfectly linear." This means that people on the highest doses didn't necessarily lose the most weight. The 7.5mg group had the highest average weight loss, followed by 15mg. 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. "At first glance, this might suggest that 7.5mg is more effective than the highest dose," researchers explained. "However, while some patients on 7.5mg achieved greater weight loss than those on higher doses, others lost far less. "This variability highlights the highly individual response to Mounjaro. Outcomes are shaped not just by dose, but by lifestyle, health status, adherence, and other personal factors." Researchers noted that that smaller group sizes for some dosage amounts - just eight patients on 7.5mg and 13 on 15mg - make the results sensitive to outliers. This means that if someone lost much more weight than others in the same group, this could be skewing the averages worked out by the report authors. "A larger dataset would help smooth these fluctuations and better reflect true trends," they said. "Still, the fact that peak average weight loss occurred at a lower dose is meaningful. "It reinforces that the maximum dose isn't required to see meaningful results." The BMI patients started at did seem to influence weight loss results. Those with a BMI over 40 when they started taking the jabs were more likely to shed over 20 per cent of their body weight. "Patients with higher BMIs who achieved greater weight loss were more likely to be on higher doses of 10mg or more, but this was not always the case," the researchers said. "Some patients achieved significant results at moderate doses like 5mg or 7.5mg, reinforcing that dose alone doesn't determine success and that response to Mounjaro is highly individual." The study authors noted that they couldn't draw conclusions about how quickly patients were able to shed pounds on Mounjaro, as they didn't collect data on overall treatment duration, starting date, or how quickly people upped their dose. They also advised caution in interpreting the results, especially for the higher dose groups that had fewer people in them. Is it normal to be hungry on the jabs? A common misconception among jab users is that they shouldn't feel any hunger at all while taking them. This can lead to unnecessary concerns about whether their current dose is working, especially when they're taking lower doses. One of the ways GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro work is by calming hunger signals in the brain, helping patients feel satisfied with smaller portions. But they do not and should not eliminate hunger altogether. "Hunger is the body's way of signalling it needs fuel, and even patients on higher doses like 12.5mg or 15mg should feel hunger at times," the report authors noted. Kiran added: 'People think these medicines switch off hunger completely, but that's not how they work. "Being able to eat is normal. Success looks different for everyone, and often, the biggest wins are quiet ones: more energy, less breathlessness, and better sleep. 'Becoming healthier without extreme diets or private clinics is a powerful example of what good, regulated care can achieve. Patients need safety, not pressure.' 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.
