A British mum has shared her incredible five-month weight loss journey with the drug Mounjaro — but says it came with a surprising and troubling side effect she never saw coming.
Shona, who wrote about her experience in a Mail Online op-ed, started taking Mounjaro (tirzepatide), a GLP-1 weight loss medication, in February. At the time, she weighed 78kg (12st 4lb). By July, she was down to 61kg (9st 10lb) — a total loss of 17kg (about two pounds a week).
“I haven’t been this weight since before my fourth child was born in 2009,” she wrote. “It’s taken just five months to lose what I’ve been gaining for 16 years. I feel amazing.”
A woman has spoken about the positives after getting on a weight loss drug (Getty Stock Image)
Shona loved the compliments from friends and family, the way her clothes fit, and the boost to her confidence. But behind the scenes, something darker was happening.
The Side Effect No One Talks About
Shona revealed that the drug had changed the way she thought about food — and not in a healthy way.
After eating a cinnamon pastry one day, she felt so guilty that she forced herself to vomit.
“This is the Mounjaro mind game nobody talks about,” she admitted. “I now see food as the enemy, something to be avoided at all costs.”
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Her experience echoes warnings from medical experts. Dr. Tom Hildebrandt, an eating disorder specialist, told UNILAD that rapid, dramatic weight loss can sometimes trigger obsessive thoughts about food.
The woman has said she feels she has developed an unhealthy relationship with food as a result (Getty Stock Image)
“The brain may interpret sudden weight loss as starvation, which can make people more restrictive, even to the point of harming their health,” he explained.
The Manufacturer’s Response
Eli Lilly, the maker of Mounjaro, said:
“Patient safety is Lilly’s top priority… Mounjaro should only be used under the supervision of a licensed healthcare professional. We encourage patients to discuss any side effects with their doctor.”
You can read more about how GLP-1 medications work and the potential risks on official medical websites before considering them.
The Bottom Line
Mounjaro and other GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic have been praised for their dramatic weight loss results — even celebrities have jumped on board. But as Shona’s story shows, it’s not just about shedding pounds. The mental health impact can be just as important to monitor as the physical changes.
If you’re thinking about using weight loss medication:
- Talk to your doctor first
- Be aware of mental health changes
- Seek support if you notice obsessive thoughts about food
For more health stories, check out our guide on safe weight loss methods and the NHS advice on healthy eating.
