Mom, 58, who used weight-loss drug to ‘be thin’ for son’s wedding shares extreme side effect which almost ‘killed her’.
August 11, 2025•3 min read
Tennessee mom Ali Eastburn was over the moon about her son’s upcoming wedding. Like many parents, she wanted to look and feel her best for the big day. But her decision to take a GLP-1 weight loss drug turned into a health scare that nearly cost her life.
Ali, 58, had been struggling with post-menopausal weight gain, putting on around 20–25 pounds despite diet and exercise efforts. Frustrated, she turned to a healthcare professional, who suggested a compounded version of semaglutide — a medication similar to well-known brands like Ozempic and Wegovy.
She said it began with heartburn before her medical emergency (Kennedy News & Media)
“When I said I wanted to lose weight, she told me this would be a great option,” Ali recalled.
She started the treatment in April, weighing 185 pounds, and quickly saw results. By summer, she had dropped to 165 pounds. But things soon took a dangerous turn.
From Heartburn to Hospital Bed
Ali Eastburn found herself nearly dying which she contributes to her GLP-1 use (Kennedy News & Media)
It started with mild heartburn, but when her weight loss slowed, her provider increased the dosage. That’s when her symptoms exploded — severe acid reflux, nausea, dry heaving, and eventually violent diarrhea.
On July 11, she landed in the ER, unable to eat or keep fluids down. Doctors diagnosed her with gastritis. A few days later, during a flight to California for the wedding, her pain worsened to the point that she was lying on the airport floor.
