Mom, 58, who used weight-loss drug to ‘be thin’ for son’s wedding shares extreme side effect which almost ‘killed her’.

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.

An ambulance rushed her to the hospital — and that’s when she learned her appendix had burst.

A Close Call Before “I Do”

“I asked the doctor if I was going to die,” she said. “He told me he didn’t know.”

After four days in the hospital, Ali managed to attend the wedding on July 19. Her son cried when he saw her there.

While there’s no confirmed direct link between GLP-1 drugs and her appendix bursting, Ali believes the medication played a role in her health spiral.

Why She’s Speaking Out

GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide are often praised for their weight-loss results, but they come with possible side effects, including:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Increased risk of certain eye conditions
• Blood sugar fluctuations

Eastburn was in hospital with a burst appendix (Kennedy News & Media)

Ali warns:

“This is being handed out like candy to anyone who wants to lose 20 pounds. It’s not a magic fix — and it’s not for everyone.”

Today, she’s recovering from acid reflux damage to her esophagus and focusing on a natural approach: walking, portion control, and regular exercise.

Her story is a reminder: Do your research, know the risks, and talk openly with your doctor before starting any medication.

References:

• Ozempic Official Website
• Wegovy Official Website
• Diabetes UK – GLP-1 Agonist Side Effects