Latest news with #Tirzepitide
Scottish Sun
25-04-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
We lost a combined 22 stone on Mounjaro – here's our honest review from bizarre side-effects to surprise benefits
One woman is closer to her dream of becoming a mum thanks to the jag. WEIGH TO GO We lost a combined 22 stone on Mounjaro – here's our honest review from bizarre side-effects to surprise benefits AROUND half a million Brits use weight loss drugs. And that number is expected to double in the next year with the rise in people using jabs, like Ozempic and Mounjaro. 6 Weight loss jab Mounjaro makes up most private prescriptions The latter accounts for most private prescriptions for weight loss and is set to join Wegovy as an NHS staple this year. Scottish Sun GP Dr Zoe Williams has said that Mounjaro - which works by suppressing appetite, making people feel fuller for longer - can save the lives of people with 'life-threatening levels of obesity.' But the NHS does also warn that people should never take an anti-obesity medicine if it has not been prescribed as they can cause serious side effects. For some, though, Mounjaro has been a lifeline, helping them shed weight they have struggled with for years and reach previously impossible life goals, like getting fertility treatment. Today Digital Fabulous Editor Katy Pagan speaks to three women - who have together lost more than 22 stone - about their experiences, both good and bad, with the jags. MUM-OF-TWO EMMA CLARK, LOST 98LB MUM Emma Clark says the jag has been life-changing as she shed seven stone. The Hamilton 29-year-old started using Mounjaro in August when she hit 22st 8lb and struggled to play with her young children. She said: 'I have two young children aged nine and five. 'I want to be that mum chasing my kids about in the park not sitting down out of breath like I was.' I lost 98lb on Mounjaro but it's surprise side benefit that's been life-changing Emma, a carer for her son, has now lost 98lb in seven months. She met the criteria to be prescribed the drug, also known as Tirzepitide, privately and lost one stone in her first week. She admits: 'When I first started Mounjaro I was nervous because of the stigma attached to using it. 6 Emma Clark lost 98lb 6 Emma dropped from 'I had tried numerous diets and lifestyle changes but due to having PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) it made it that bit more difficult for me. 'At 22 stone 8lbs being my heaviest I decided, 'stuff it let's just try it and see what happens'.' She added: 'Within three months my periods had regulated. 'Something I have never experienced was a regular period, sometimes I would have one then not have another for months, but I've actually had a period every single month since starting Mounjaro.' Emma used online calorie deficit and water intake calculators for her body and weight to ensure she uses the jab responsibly. She also set alarms to remind herself to eat on the days where suppression was at an all time high. Emma, who dropped from a size 22-24 to a size 16, said: 'Mounjaro is often named an easy approach but it really isn't. You need to relearn eating habits, you have to adjust your lifestyle and cook more cleaner meals.' Emma documents her positive Mounjaro experience on social media - @mummyof2 including one positive side effect - getting rid of psoriasis, which she has suffered from for nine years. But Emma told us: 'The psoriasis in my scalp had reduced massively and by month six I had little to no psoriasis.' HEALTHCARE WORKER CONNIE BULLOCH - LOST 72LB HEALTHCARE worker Connie Bulloch has insisted Mounjaro has been 'life-changing' after she shed five stone in seven months. 6 SCOTTISH SUN FABULOUS - with permission, : I lost 5st on Mounjaro - weird side effects are worth it, it's life-changing, 6 The 28-year-old, from Cambuslang, started using the drug in June. She had been going to a personal trainer for two years but confessed it 'felt hard to keep the weight off'. She said: 'I was having investigations done on my womb as I had really bad periods and suffered with PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder). 'So with all that, I was having two weeks when I was doing well and stayed on track, then two weeks when I wasn't able to stay on track and couldn't get into the gym as much.' Last March, Connie - who also has kidney disease - went for an op and piled on weight taking her to 15 stone 9lbs. Now, thanks to Mounjaro and sticking to a calorie deficit, she has lost 5st 2lbs, taking her weight down to 10st 7lbs. She said: 'I never in a million years thought I'd be back down at this weight, it really has saved my life.' Connie says people do judge her but the benefits outweigh the negativity. She said: 'I do receive some judgement from people because they see it as an easy way out but honestly I don't care. 'It's been an amazing thing to help me and if it helps people get more confidence and not have to get surgery for weight loss then I think that's great too.' Connie documents her Mounjaro journey with brutal honesty on her social media account @conniebulloch1. The 28-year-old experiences some typical side effects, including headaches and nausea, but also opened up on more unusual issues. She said: 'I'm absolutely freezing all the time, I constantly need a blanket over me. I also have random food nightmares. Worms coming out of food was an awful one.' But she insists: 'The positives of Mounjaro have far outweighed the negative side effects.' STUDENT NURSE LAURIE MURRAY - LOST 115LB STUDENT nurse Laurie Murray is one step closer to her dream of having a baby after shedding 115lbs. 6 The 34-year-old from Airdrie started using the jabs last April. At 18st 10lbs, she had already lost 2st through dieting, but was keen to accelerate her weight loss journey. She said: 'I've been suffering with infertility and my BMI was at a point that I wasn't eligible for any help. 'I went to my doctors to seek help knowing that there had been advancements in weight loss medications with the hope that I'd be able to get some help. 'But a few months later I was told they could only offer me an online weight loss programme.' With financial help from her mother-in-law, Laurie went private to get the medication and has lost more than 8st, now weighing 10st 7lbs, and reduced her BMI from 47 to 24. The healthcare support worker, who's studying for her nursing degree, is now able to get fertility treatment in her bid to start a family with husband Chris. She said: 'I feel like it's allowed me to organise my head and live a better life. If I didn't have to stop taking it to start a family I'd be on a maintenance plan.' Beyond sticking to a calorie deficit and taking daily vitamins, Laurie has smashed the common misconception that people who use skinny jabs are 'lazy' having taken up running and being a regular at the gym. The only drawback of her incredible transformation, Laurie admits, is the loose skin on her tummy and thighs which she says makes her feel 'very self-conscious'. She said: 'I do wish it wasn't as prominent as it is but it's there and isn't the worst thing ever, my husband doesn't mind it at all. 'Hopefully babies are in my future and then maybe I'd address it but for now it's staying.'
The Sun
25-04-2025
- Health
- The Sun
We lost a combined 22 stone on Mounjaro – here's our honest review from bizarre side-effects to surprise benefits
AROUND half a million Brits use weight loss drugs. And that number is expected to double in the next year with the rise in people using jabs, like Ozempic and Mounjaro. The latter accounts for most private prescriptions for weight loss and is set to join Wegovy as an NHS staple this year. Scottish Sun GP Dr Zoe Williams has said that Mounjaro - which works by suppressing appetite, making people feel fuller for longer - can save the lives of people with 'life-threatening levels of obesity.' But the NHS does also warn that people should never take an anti-obesity medicine if it has not been prescribed as they can cause serious side effects. For some, though, Mounjaro has been a lifeline, helping them shed weight they have struggled with for years and reach previously impossible life goals, like getting fertility treatment. Today Digital Fabulous Editor Katy Pagan speaks to three women - who have together lost more than 22 stone - about their experiences, both good and bad, with the jags. MUM-OF-TWO EMMA CLARK, LOST 98LB MUM Emma Clark says the jag has been life-changing as she shed seven stone. The Hamilton 29-year-old started using Mounjaro in August when she hit 22st 8lb and struggled to play with her young children. She said: 'I have two young children aged nine and five. 'I want to be that mum chasing my kids about in the park not sitting down out of breath like I was.' I lost 98lb on Mounjaro but it's surprise side benefit that's been life-changing Emma, a carer for her son, has now lost 98lb in seven months. She met the criteria to be prescribed the drug, also known as Tirzepitide, privately and lost one stone in her first week. She admits: 'When I first started Mounjaro I was nervous because of the stigma attached to using it. 6 6 'I had tried numerous diets and lifestyle changes but due to having PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) it made it that bit more difficult for me. 'At 22 stone 8lbs being my heaviest I decided, 'stuff it let's just try it and see what happens'.' She added: 'Within three months my periods had regulated. 'Something I have never experienced was a regular period, sometimes I would have one then not have another for months, but I've actually had a period every single month since starting Mounjaro.' Emma used online calorie deficit and water intake calculators for her body and weight to ensure she uses the jab responsibly. She also set alarms to remind herself to eat on the days where suppression was at an all time high. Emma, who dropped from a size 22-24 to a size 16, said: 'Mounjaro is often named an easy approach but it really isn't. You need to relearn eating habits, you have to adjust your lifestyle and cook more cleaner meals.' Emma documents her positive Mounjaro experience on social media - @ mummyof2 including one positive side effect - getting rid of psoriasis, which she has suffered from for nine years. But Emma told us: 'The psoriasis in my scalp had reduced massively and by month six I had little to no psoriasis.' HEALTHCARE WORKER CONNIE BULLOCH - LOST 72LB HEALTHCARE worker Connie Bulloch has insisted Mounjaro has been 'life-changing' after she shed five stone in seven months. 6 6 The 28-year-old, from Cambuslang, started using the drug in June. She had been going to a personal trainer for two years but confessed it 'felt hard to keep the weight off'. She said: 'I was having investigations done on my womb as I had really bad periods and suffered with PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder). 'So with all that, I was having two weeks when I was doing well and stayed on track, then two weeks when I wasn't able to stay on track and couldn't get into the gym as much.' Last March, Connie - who also has kidney disease - went for an op and piled on weight taking her to 15 stone 9lbs. Now, thanks to Mounjaro and sticking to a calorie deficit, she has lost 5st 2lbs, taking her weight down to 10st 7lbs. She said: 'I never in a million years thought I'd be back down at this weight, it really has saved my life.' Connie says people do judge her but the benefits outweigh the negativity. She said: 'I do receive some judgement from people because they see it as an easy way out but honestly I don't care. 'It's been an amazing thing to help me and if it helps people get more confidence and not have to get surgery for weight loss then I think that's great too.' Connie documents her Mounjaro journey with brutal honesty on her social media account @conniebulloch1. The 28-year-old experiences some typical side effects, including headaches and nausea, but also opened up on more unusual issues. She said: 'I'm absolutely freezing all the time, I constantly need a blanket over me. I also have random food nightmares. Worms coming out of food was an awful one.' But she insists: 'The positives of Mounjaro have far outweighed the negative side effects.' STUDENT NURSE LAURIE MURRAY - LOST 115LB STUDENT nurse Laurie Murray is one step closer to her dream of having a baby after shedding 115lbs. The 34-year-old from Airdrie started using the jabs last April. At 18st 10lbs, she had already lost 2st through dieting, but was keen to accelerate her weight loss journey. She said: 'I've been suffering with infertility and my BMI was at a point that I wasn't eligible for any help. 'I went to my doctors to seek help knowing that there had been advancements in weight loss medications with the hope that I'd be able to get some help. 'But a few months later I was told they could only offer me an online weight loss programme.' With financial help from her mother-in-law, Laurie went private to get the medication and has lost more than 8st, now weighing 10st 7lbs, and reduced her BMI from 47 to 24. The healthcare support worker, who's studying for her nursing degree, is now able to get fertility treatment in her bid to start a family with husband Chris. She said: 'I feel like it's allowed me to organise my head and live a better life. If I didn't have to stop taking it to start a family I'd be on a maintenance plan.' Beyond sticking to a calorie deficit and taking daily vitamins, Laurie has smashed the common misconception that people who use skinny jabs are 'lazy' having taken up running and being a regular at the gym. The only drawback of her incredible transformation, Laurie admits, is the loose skin on her tummy and thighs which she says makes her feel 'very self-conscious'. She said: 'I do wish it wasn't as prominent as it is but it's there and isn't the worst thing ever, my husband doesn't mind it at all. 'Hopefully babies are in my future and then maybe I'd address it but for now it's staying.'
Scottish Sun
24-04-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
I was nicknamed ‘Fat Pal' by friends for years, now Mounjaro has helped me shed 5st and even sparked my new business
A DAD once nicknamed 'Fat Pal' by his friends has dropped five stone in five months after using Mounjaro. Sean Burns, 32, from Glasgow, said he has 'struggled with excess weight' his whole life and was always 'the heaviest one' in his friendship group, weighing 15st at 5ft 6in. 3 Dad-of-two Sean Burns weight 15st before Mounjaro Credit: Collect/PA Real Life 3 He was nicknamed 'Fat Pal' by friends Credit: Collect/PA Real Life 3 Now he's lost 5st in five months Credit: Collect/PA Real Life After years of failed diets, snack van lunches like burger and chips, and hiding his body on lads' holidays, he finally found something that worked. Sean started using Mounjaro in May 2024 after hearing about it from friends – and said the weight 'just fell off'. Tirzepitide, which is sold under the brand name Mounjaro, is regarded by some as the King Kong of weight loss jabs. Sun GP Dr Zoe Williams acknowledged that Mounjaro, which could soon be rolled out on the NHS, can save the lives of people with 'life-threatening levels of obesity.' About half a million Brits use weight loss drugs - and the number is expected to double in the next year. Mounjaro works by suppressing your appetite, making people feel fuller for longer. The injections are licensed for patients with type 2 diabetes and to assist those who are clinically obese (with a Body Mass Index of 30 or over). One jab is administered each week but the duration is dependent on someone's weight. The drugs can be lawfully supplied when prescribed by a practitioner - such as a doctor, nurse or a pharmacist-independent prescriber. But increasingly, people have been buying them through online pharmacies with insufficient checks. I lost 98lb on Mounjaro but it's surprise side benefit that's been life-changing Only recently, figures from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency revealed fat jabs had been linked to 82 deaths across the UK. And the family of a man from Burton upon Trent, Staffs, who died after taking Mounjaro, are now calling for a probe into the jab's "potential to kill." But Sean, who works as a joiner, said he has gone from wearing an extra-large to a medium or small, ditched junk food and even set up his own weight-loss support business to help others on the same journey. He said he finally feels like a 'proper' dad and can keep up with his two young children – Faryl Rose, four, and Shay, two – something which felt impossible a year ago. 'My nickname throughout my youth was 'Fat Pal',' Sean said. 'I piled the weight on even more as my wee daughter became a toddler because we had more snacks in the house. 'I was coming home from work, and the first thing I wanted to do was play with the kids – roll around on the floor with them – but every time I did, I needed to lie down. 'I was always out of breath and, after five minutes, I was struggling. Everything you need to know about weight loss jabs Weight loss jabs are all the rage as studies and patient stories reveal they help people shed pounds 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. 'I decided that this was enough. I really needed to take action in order to become a proper, fully functioning father.' Sean had tried countless diets and fitness plans over the years, including the Cambridge diet, but nothing ever stuck. He said gym workouts were not for him either. After seeing the transformation of other people including close family members from using Mounjaro, Sean decided to try it for himself. He said: 'I thought, I may as well try it, what's the worst that could happen? I've tried everything else, why not try this?' Sean said the results were almost immediate. 'I spent hundreds each month, and at some points, the demand for them was so high that the prices doubled,' he said. 'Paying for it all, however, was worth it… especially considering I would have spent that amount on takeaways, and some. 'After the first course of the four-week pen, I could see the pounds dropping off and I felt better. 'It was the best feeling in the world.' In just five months, Sean's weight dropped from 15st to just under 10st. 'On lads' holidays, hanging about the pool was always embarrassing,' he said. 'The rest of the lads would be in their shorts, and I would be wearing a t-shirt to go in the pool, hiding in the corner away from everybody because I didn't want to show my belly off. 'In T-shirts, I went from wearing an extra-large to a small or medium. It's a great feeling. 'I can wear clothes I really want to, clothes I like.' Before using the jab, Sean said his daily food intake was packed with high-fat, high-calorie meals. He explained: 'I would have a full Scottish breakfast – all fried foods, sausages, potato scones, fried bread etc. 'For lunch, I would grab food from a snack van, usually a burger and chips. 'At dinner time, I would load up my plate with as much food as possible." What are the other side effects of weight loss jabs? Like any medication, weight loss jabs can have side effects. Common side effects of injections such as Ozempic include: Nausea: This is the most commonly reported side effect, especially when first starting the medication. It often decreases over time as your body adjusts. Vomiting: Can occur, often in conjunction with nausea. Diarrhea: Some people experience gastrointestinal upset. Constipation: Some individuals may also experience constipation. Stomach pain or discomfort: Some people may experience abdominal pain or discomfort. Reduced appetite: This is often a desired effect for people using Ozempic for weight loss. Indigestion: Can cause a feeling of bloating or discomfort after eating. Serious side effects can also include: Pancreatitis: In rare cases, Ozempic may increase the risk of inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis, which can cause severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Kidney problems: There have been reports of kidney issues, including kidney failure, though this is uncommon. Thyroid tumors: There's a potential increased risk of thyroid cancer, although this risk is based on animal studies. It is not confirmed in humans, but people with a history of thyroid cancer should avoid Ozempic. Vision problems: Rapid changes in blood sugar levels may affect vision, and some people have reported blurry vision when taking Ozempic. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): Especially if used with other medications like sulfonylureas or insulin. Now, Sean says his eating habits are completely different. 'I'm still eating three meals a day, however, the portion size is so much smaller,' he said. 'I no longer crave greasy, unhealthy food, I actually prefer chicken and salad now.' He has also enlisted the help of a personal trainer and nutritionist to stay on track and avoid loose skin after the dramatic weight loss. Although Sean has seen positive results, he said one of the biggest problems he noticed was the lack of support available for people using weight-loss medication. 'My experience was that the pen was sold to me – no pre, during or post-care was available,' he said. 'The seller got their money, and that was the end of the story. 'I'm losing weight, my body isn't used to this. 'What nutrients, supplements and vitamins do I need to keep me on the right track?' That is when he decided to launch SlimResults in January, a business offering doctor-backed advice, nutritional support and round-the-clock help for people using weight-loss jabs. 'We walk them through every step of their weight-loss journey,' he said. 'There is 24/7 support available, and once they have achieved their goal weight, we are still there to support them. 'At SlimResults we are offering the full package: medical, nutritional and PT advice, etc, not just for the duration of customers using the pens, but forever. We will always be there to help.' Now, for Sean, life looks completely different. 'I'm running about playing in parks with my kids, on the slides, on the swings. I could not do that last year,' he said. However, he issued a warning to anyone else looking to go on a similar journey. 'I would like to advise anyone embarking on this journey to do your due diligence,' he said.
Scottish Sun
22-04-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
I've lost 119lb on Mounjaro – the important summer advice people need to know, I've seen nobody talk about it
AROUND half a million Brits use weight loss drugs - and the number is expected to double in the next year. The jabs work by suppressing your appetite, making people feel fuller for longer. 1 Demand for weight loss jabs has surged in the UK Credit: Getty The injections are licensed for patients with type 2 diabetes and to assist those who are clinically obese (with a Body Mass Index of 30 or over). One jab is administered each week but the duration is dependent on someone's weight. Tirzepitide, which is sold under the brand name Mounjaro, is regarded by some as the King Kong of weight loss jabs. Now, one woman has revealed the summer tip people should know about when it comes to the injections that people don't seem to talk about. Heather, from Scotland, has lost 119lb on the weight loss jabs in a year. In a TikTok video, she said she had an "important bit of advice" for people taking Mounjaro and going off on holiday this summer. She said: "Did you know that if you are taking Mounjaro that you should be declaring that to your travel insurance provider? "This doesn't seem to really be talked about at all on TikTok, I haven't heard anyone else mention this. "So as we know when you apply for travel insurance they will ask you all questions about your health, about any medication and Mounjaro comes under that. So you should be sharing that with them." She continued: "Now as we all know like insurance companies are fickle. If there's any loophole that they can get for not paying out if you need help, if you have a medical issue on holiday or anything like that. If there's a loophole they can find they definitely will. I've lost 3 stone in 8 months on fat jabs - there's a common error new starters are making & it means nasty side effects "So for your own peace of mind make sure that you are declaring the fact that you are taking Mounjaro to your travel insurance. "Now obviously people also have annual covers that they buy so maybe the last time that you got your insurance you weren't on Mounjaro at that point. "So if you are now taking it it's worthwhile just giving them a call just to update that information and keep yourself right before you go off on holiday. "It's obviously worth bearing in mind that every policy is different but I very much have the opinion when it comes to travel insurance of giving the whole picture so that they don't have any reason to decline or avoid paying out for any claims that you potentially have to make. It's a being safe rather than sorry situation." The social media post sparked a flurry of interaction with 15,000 views and more than 70 comments from other Mounjaro users. One said: "I had annual insurance and called to say i was on MJ because I couldn't see anywhere to add medication online. After a lot of questions they added obesity as a health issue. It added 95p to the price." A second wrote: "It's prescription drug whether on the NHS or private it's still a prescription drug. I think you're spot on. Any excuse for travel insurance to not pay out." "Ooh I didn't know that. Thank you", cried a third. What are the side effects of weight loss jabs? Like any medication, weight loss jabs can have side effects. Common side effects of injections such as Ozempic include: Nausea: This is the most commonly reported side effect, especially when first starting the medication. It often decreases over time as your body adjusts. Vomiting: Can occur, often in conjunction with nausea. Diarrhea: Some people experience gastrointestinal upset. Constipation: Some individuals may also experience constipation. Stomach pain or discomfort: Some people may experience abdominal pain or discomfort. Reduced appetite: This is often a desired effect for people using Ozempic for weight loss. Indigestion: Can cause a feeling of bloating or discomfort after eating. Serious side effects can also include: Pancreatitis: In rare cases, Ozempic may increase the risk of inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis, which can cause severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Kidney problems: There have been reports of kidney issues, including kidney failure, though this is uncommon. Thyroid tumors: There's a potential increased risk of thyroid cancer, although this risk is based on animal studies. It is not confirmed in humans, but people with a history of thyroid cancer should avoid Ozempic. Vision problems: Rapid changes in blood sugar levels may affect vision, and some people have reported blurry vision when taking Ozempic. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): Especially if used with other medications like sulfonylureas or insulin. A fourth echoed: "Didn't know that, I'm going away next week and I will definitely be giving them a call, thank you." Meanwhile, a fifth added: "I called [mine] and told them, no additional cost to policy." Others, however have revealed they've had less luck after trying to declare their medication. One person said: "I called mine. They said they didn't need to know if it was for cosmetic purposes and not prescribed by a doctor. But I wouldn't be covered for side affects related to it." Another wrote: "Phoned mine, they said if I wasn't on Mounjaro for a medical reason and it was purely to lose weight they didn't need to know. Glad I told them though as they'll try anything to get out of paying." Someone else chimed in: "I phoned them but they said as I wasn't diagnosed as having obesity they said it was fine but I made them check with their legal and put a note on my insurance." And a fourth sighed: "I rang mine to declare they basically said because I was taking it through choice and not because of a medical issue they basically wasn't interested." Sun GP Dr Zoe Williams acknowledged that Mounjaro, which could soon be rolled out on the NHS, can save the lives of people with 'life-threatening levels of obesity.' But despite this, the NHS warned: 'Never take an anti-obesity medicine if it has not been prescribed to you. "These types of medicines may not be safe for you and can cause serious side effects.' The drugs can be lawfully supplied when prescribed by a practitioner - such as a doctor, nurse or a pharmacist-independent prescriber. But increasingly, people have been buying them through online pharmacies with insufficient checks. Only recently, figures from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency revealed fat jabs had been linked to 82 deaths across the UK. And the family of a man from Burton upon Trent, Staffs, who died after taking Mounjaro, are now calling for a probe into the jab's "potential to kill."
The Sun
22-04-2025
- Health
- The Sun
I've lost 119lb on Mounjaro – the important summer advice people need to know, I've seen nobody talk about it
AROUND half a million Brits use weight loss drugs - and the number is expected to double in the next year. The jabs work by suppressing your appetite, making people feel fuller for longer. The injections are licensed for patients with type 2 diabetes and to assist those who are clinically obese (with a Body Mass Index of 30 or over). One jab is administered each week but the duration is dependent on someone's weight. Tirzepitide, which is sold under the brand name Mounjaro, is regarded by some as the King Kong of weight loss jabs. Now, one woman has revealed the summer tip people should know about when it comes to the injections that people don't seem to talk about. Heather, from Scotland, has lost 119lb on the weight loss jabs in a year. In a TikTok video, she said she had an "important bit of advice" for people taking Mounjaro and going off on holiday this summer. She said: "Did you know that if you are taking Mounjaro that you should be declaring that to your travel insurance provider? "This doesn't seem to really be talked about at all on TikTok, I haven't heard anyone else mention this. "So as we know when you apply for travel insurance they will ask you all questions about your health, about any medication and Mounjaro comes under that. So you should be sharing that with them." She continued: "Now as we all know like insurance companies are fickle. If there's any loophole that they can get for not paying out if you need help, if you have a medical issue on holiday or anything like that. If there's a loophole they can find they definitely will. "So for your own peace of mind make sure that you are declaring the fact that you are taking Mounjaro to your travel insurance. "Now obviously people also have annual covers that they buy so maybe the last time that you got your insurance you weren't on Mounjaro at that point. "So if you are now taking it it's worthwhile just giving them a call just to update that information and keep yourself right before you go off on holiday. "It's obviously worth bearing in mind that every policy is different but I very much have the opinion when it comes to travel insurance of giving the whole picture so that they don't have any reason to decline or avoid paying out for any claims that you potentially have to make. It's a being safe rather than sorry situation." The social media post sparked a flurry of interaction with 15,000 views and more than 70 comments from other Mounjaro users. One said: "I had annual insurance and called to say i was on MJ because I couldn't see anywhere to add medication online. After a lot of questions they added obesity as a health issue. It added 95p to the price." A second wrote: "It's prescription drug whether on the NHS or private it's still a prescription drug. I think you're spot on. Any excuse for travel insurance to not pay out." "Ooh I didn't know that. Thank you", cried a third. What are the side effects of weight loss jabs? Like any medication, weight loss jabs can have side effects. Common side effects of injections such as Ozempic include: Nausea: This is the most commonly reported side effect, especially when first starting the medication. It often decreases over time as your body adjusts. Vomiting: Can occur, often in conjunction with nausea. Diarrhea: Some people experience gastrointestinal upset. Constipation: Some individuals may also experience constipation. Stomach pain or discomfort: Some people may experience abdominal pain or discomfort. Reduced appetite: This is often a desired effect for people using Ozempic for weight loss. Indigestion: Can cause a feeling of bloating or discomfort after eating. Serious side effects can also include: Pancreatitis: In rare cases, Ozempic may increase the risk of inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis, which can cause severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Kidney problems: There have been reports of kidney issues, including kidney failure, though this is uncommon. Thyroid tumors: There's a potential increased risk of thyroid cancer, although this risk is based on animal studies. It is not confirmed in humans, but people with a history of thyroid cancer should avoid Ozempic. Vision problems: Rapid changes in blood sugar levels may affect vision, and some people have reported blurry vision when taking Ozempic. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): Especially if used with other medications like sulfonylureas or insulin. A fourth echoed: "Didn't know that, I'm going away next week and I will definitely be giving them a call, thank you." Meanwhile, a fifth added: "I called [mine] and told them, no additional cost to policy." Others, however have revealed they've had less luck after trying to declare their medication. One person said: "I called mine. They said they didn't need to know if it was for cosmetic purposes and not prescribed by a doctor. But I wouldn't be covered for side affects related to it." Another wrote: "Phoned mine, they said if I wasn't on Mounjaro for a medical reason and it was purely to lose weight they didn't need to know. Glad I told them though as they'll try anything to get out of paying." Someone else chimed in: "I phoned them but they said as I wasn't diagnosed as having obesity they said it was fine but I made them check with their legal and put a note on my insurance." And a fourth sighed: "I rang mine to declare they basically said because I was taking it through choice and not because of a medical issue they basically wasn't interested." Sun GP Dr Zoe Williams acknowledged that Mounjaro, which could soon be rolled out on the NHS, can save the lives of people with 'life-threatening levels of obesity.' But despite this, the NHS warned: 'Never take an anti-obesity medicine if it has not been prescribed to you. "These types of medicines may not be safe for you and can cause serious side effects.' The drugs can be lawfully supplied when prescribed by a practitioner - such as a doctor, nurse or a pharmacist-independent prescriber. But increasingly, people have been buying them through online pharmacies with insufficient checks. Only recently, figures from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency revealed fat jabs had been linked to 82 deaths across the UK. And the family of a man from Burton upon Trent, Staffs, who died after taking Mounjaro, are now calling for a probe into the jab's "potential to kill."
