I lost 8st in a YEAR on Mounjaro – I had to have an organ removed but I still went back on the jabs as soon as I could
NO WEIGH! I lost 8st in a YEAR on Mounjaro – I had to have an organ removed but I still went back on the jabs as soon as I could
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A WOMAN has revealed how shedding a whopping 8st completely transformed her life but also landed her in a major surgery.
The weight loss warrior, Em, has been documenting her transformation on her TikTok, @EmsJourney.
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A woman lost 8st in a year on Mounjaro
Credit: TikTok/ @emsjourney
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She had to have major surgery but still went back on the jabs
Credit: TikTok/ @emsjourney
Despite the drama that followed, Em is still a massive fan of Mounjaro and says it's completely changed her life.
Within months of starting, the weight was dropping off, her periods came back, and her PCOS, something she'd battled for years, finally started to settle down.
But just as things were looking up, her journey took a painful turn.
Only two months in, she was hit with a searing pain under her ribs that had her doubled over and rushing to A&E.
Doctors ran tests and found a gallstone blocking her bile duct and it was causing mayhem inside her body.
Her kidneys were struggling, inflammation was through the roof, and surgery quickly became the only option.
By October, doctors told her she'd need her gallbladder removed.
And while that sounds scary enough on its own, she was also midway through a course of GLP-1 medication.
But her consultant gave her the green light to stay on the jab right up until a week before the op, saying it'd be safer for her to lose more weight before going under the knife.
She said: 'Because I was still such a high weight, it made more sense to stay on it and make myself safer for surgery.'
I lost 6st with fat jabs but ended up with 'Ozempic face' – I got youthful look back with six make-up tricks
Post-op, she was back on the meds just two weeks later and didn't look back.
She's since reached a peak dose of 15mg, and now she's tapering down, currently on 10mg.
The results are impressive. Em has lost a jaw-dropping 8st in just 12 months.
Her PCOS is under control, her cycle's back on track, and she's feeling better than ever.
While the gallstone drama was a shock, she says the benefits far outweigh the risks.
Experts say there's a very real link between GLP-1 weight-loss drugs like Mounjaro and gallbladder problems, especially gallstones and inflammation of the gallbladder.
In fact, so many patients report it that the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency lists gallbladder issues as a known side effect of drugs like Mounjaro.
Rapid weight loss, especially more than 1.5kg (3.3lbs) a week, increases your risk of developing gallstones.
That's because your liver pumps out more cholesterol when you lose weight quickly, and that cholesterol can crystallise in your gallbladder.
Combine that with the fact that GLP-1s slow down digestion, including how often the gallbladder empties, and you've got a recipe for trouble.
So while these meds can deliver dramatic results, they're not without risks.
Doctors often recommend regular scans or blood tests, and say anyone experiencing sharp pain in the upper right side of their tummy, nausea, or fever should get checked out urgently.
Still, Em has no regrets. She says the gallbladder scare was a small price to pay for getting her life back.
Fat jabs hitting shelves soon
The so-called 'fat jab' revolution is officially under way and it could change the way Brits tackle weight loss for good.
For the first time ever, family doctors across England are now dishing out the powerful new weight-loss injection Mounjaro, as part of a major NHS shake-up to fight obesity.
The drug, which contains the active ingredient tirzepatide, is being dubbed the strongest slimming jab yet and more than three million people could be eligible to get it on prescription.
It's a landmark move in the war on waistlines, with obesity levels in England more than doubling since the 90s.
Until now, similar injections like Ozempic and Wegovy were mainly reserved for type 2 diabetics or available through pricey private clinics.
But from now on, GPs will be encouraged to prescribe them to those at greatest risk — a move health bosses hope will slash sick days, boost the economy, and help cut rates of cancer, heart disease and dementia.
Not everyone qualifies, though. Only those with the highest health risks are likely to get the green light.
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 patient.info, 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.
Top priority will go to patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more or 37.5 for people from certain ethnic backgrounds and who have at least four obesity-linked health conditions.
That includes things like high blood pressure, cholesterol, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnoea and heart disease.
Doctors are also expected to check whether patients have first tried to lose weight through diet and exercise before offering the jab.
Despite the huge hype, not all GPs will be able to hand them out and even if you qualify, you might be told to wait or referred to a specialist clinic instead.
Experts are warning that while the jabs can be a game-changer, they're not a magic fix.
Side effects can range from mild nausea to more serious complications, and not everyone will tolerate them well.
And with demand through the roof, many Brits are turning to the private route.
Of course, always remember that too-good-to-be-true prices, quick-check applications and zero aftercare are all major warning signs.
Experts say if you are thinking about going private, do your homework and don't gamble with your health for a quick fix.
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Scottish Sun
4 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
‘Traumatised' mum watches doctors ‘peel' her screaming daughter's ‘erupting, bleeding skin' after SPF mistake
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A "traumatised" mum had watch doctors peel off her daughter's skin after the tot got so badly sunburned, her skin erupted in giant yellow blisters. Lauren McMaster, 30, was enjoying the sun in her mum's back yard in Luton, Bedfordshire, while her six-year-old Paisley McMaster played in the pool on July 5. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 12 Paisley McMaster, 6, got badly sunburned while playing in the pool on July 5 Credit: Kennedy News 12 The tot's skin broke out in large, pus-filled blisters Credit: Kennedy News 12 The tot was rushed to hospital where her blistered skin had to be 'peeled' off Credit: Kennedy News 12 Her mum Lauren McMaster, 30, said she was 'traumatised' by the experience Credit: Kennedy News Lauren said her daughter was running in and out of the house so she wasn't in the sun for too long, but the mum still made sure to reapply factor 50 sun cream on her daughter every 30-40 minutes "because she's ginger". She even placed an umbrella over the pool when it got to midday, when the sun is the hottest. Lauren normally dresses Paisley in a t-shirt to avoid the sun, but she let the youngster try out her new swimsuit - which exposed her shoulders to the sun's rays more than usual. The mum chose a sun cream that was water resistant, but the pool water turned cloudy as Paisley played in it - suggesting it could have come off. Later that day, Lauren noticed the tot's shoulders, back and chest were red. Early the following morning, a "horrified" Lauren woke up to Paisley screaming - her sunburn had worsened and she erupted in "painful" bright yellow blisters all over her body. The mum-of-two took Paisley to Luton and Dunstable Hospital the next day where doctors had to burst her blisters and "peel" her skin off. She describes the ordeal as the "worst experience of her life" and is warning other parents to keep children covered up in the sun. "Put clothes on them, do your research," the mum said. Lauren, from Glasgow, Scotland, said: "We were in Luton at my mum's, in the garden, and she was in and out, it wasn't like she was out all day. I laid on the beach for just ONE hour but the sunburn was brutal and left me looking like a wasp-stung dog - don't make my mistake "She was inside watching telly, playing on her iPad and then she was out in the pool with her cousins. "She wanted to wear her new swimming costume and I said you can wear it for a little while but then she had a swimming top. "I put sun cream on her every half hour to 45 minutes, because she's ginger. I've always been worried about this happening, but we've been on holiday to Spain and she didn't get like this. "I put an umbrella over the pool around the middle of the day because I know that's the hottest time of the day. 12 Paisley was 'hysterical and screaming' as she had her blistered skin removed Credit: Kennedy News 12 The tot begged to go home while it was happening Credit: Kennedy News 12 She was later covered up in bandages Credit: Kennedy News 12 It could take up to two years for Paisley's skin to recover Credit: Kennedy News "When she was in the shower, I noticed she was a bit red so I put some after sun on her and then got her ready in her pyjamas. "She woke up at 4am just screaming in pain and the sunburn was a lot more red. "The next day the blisters started, very little, and the blisters started forming together to make a bigger blister. "I called 111 and they called me back the next morning and told me to take her to hospital." The much watched horrified as medics removed Paisley's burnt and blistered skin. "They literally just pinched [blisters] and pulled them from her skin. "It was the most traumatic thing I've ever watched, it was horrendous. "They had to rub her skin down, to scrape her skin off. 12 Paisley's skin now looks like she has 'really bad eczema' Credit: Kennedy News 12 Lauren said the tot would be spending the rest of the summer indoors Credit: Kennedy News "She was hysterical, screaming. It was the worst experience of my life, I wouldn't wish that upon my worst enemy. She was begging for them to stop and go home. "Even touching the sunburn was hurting her so scraping down her skin was the worst experience. "They had to put plasters on her wounds because the air hitting them was making them worse." The next morning, Paisley had to return to hospital and her skin started 'bleeding' as doctors reportedly continued to remove and wash her skin. Sun protection tips Sunburn increases your risk of skin cancer. Sunburn does not just happen on holiday - you can burn in the UK, even when it's cloudy. There's no safe or healthy way to get a tan. A tan does not protect your skin from the sun's harmful effects. Aim to spend time in the shade when the sun is strongest. In the UK, this is between 11am and 3pm from March to October. Make sure you: Spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm Never burn Cover up with suitable clothing and sunglasses Take extra care with children Use at least factor 30 sunscreen Most people don't apply enough sunscreen - adults should aim to apply around six to eight teaspoons of sunscreen if you're covering your entire body. If sunscreen is applied too thinly, the amount of protection it gives is reduced. If you plan to be out in the sun long enough to risk burning, sunscreen needs to be applied twice: 30 minutes before going out Just before going out Sunscreen should be applied to all exposed skin, including the face, neck and ears, and head if you have thinning or no hair, but a wide-brimmed hat is better. It needs to be reapplied liberally and frequently, and according to the manufacturer's instructions. This includes applying it straight after you have been in water, even if it's "water resistant", and after towel drying, sweating or when it may have rubbed off. It's also recommended to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, as the sun can dry it off your skin. Source: NHS Lauren said: "I took her back and they took the plasters off and started ripping her skin off again, she started bleeding. "They had to wash it and clean it, put different bandages on her. "They then started to rip her skin off and she was screaming, she was begging for a break. "At one point I had to say, I can't watch this anymore, you're really traumatising her." The sun will never see her skin ever again Lauren McMaster Paisley was then referred to the Broomfield Hospital burns unit in Essex. There, the tot was seen by a plastic surgeon who was able to remove her blisters using scissors. "A plastic surgeon came and he got some scissors, made a little hole and just let the liquid pour out and then cut the blister with the scissors and she was much calmer that way." The mum said Paisley is now doing better but it could take up to two years for her skin to return to normal. How to care for sunburn safely WE should all avoid getting burnt in the sun as it can cause skin cancer. But if you do get burnt this summer, it's important to take care of your skin safely. Your skin will likely feel hot to the touch, be sore and painful, and flake or peel after a few days. If your burn is severe, your skin may also blister. According to the NHS, the best ways to ease sunburn yourself are to: Get out of the sun as soon as possible Cool your skin with a cool shower, bath or damp towel (take care not to let a baby or young child get too cold) Apply aftersun cream or spray Drink plenty of water to cool down and prevent dehydration Take painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen for any pain Cover sunburnt skin from direct sunlight until skin has fully healed You should also avoid using petroleum jelly, putting ice or ice packs directly on sunburnt skin, popping blisters, scratching or trying to remove peeling skin and tight-fitting clothing. Most of the time, sunburn can be treated at home. But you should ask for an urgent GP appointment or call 111 if you've been out in the sun and: Your skin is blistered or swollen Your temperature is very high, or you feel hot and shivery You feel very tired, dizzy and sick You have a headache and muscle cramps Your baby or young child has sunburn Severe sunburn can lead to heat exhaustion and heatstroke, which can be very serious and in some cases fatal. Source: NHS "It looks like really bad eczema, she has to be out of the sun for two years, always protected. "I said the sun will never see her skin ever again," Lauren said. "She is just happy she can move and that she is not blistered." Lauren vowed to keep Paisley indoors this summer to protect her skin. "It's been hot and she's not allowed to go in the sun, she has to be covered up. We just stay in and play games," she said. 12 Lauren warned other parents to take extra care with protecting their kids from the sun Credit: Kennedy News
Scottish Sun
4 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Scots mum's urgent warning after daughter left in agony amid 30C heatwave
A 'TRAUMATISED' mum had to rush her screaming daughter to hospital - after being so badly sunburnt while playing in the paddling pool that she was covered in giant yellow blisters. Lauren McMaster was enjoying the sun in her mum's back garden in Luton, Bedfordshire, while her six-year-old Paisley McMaster played in the pool last weekend. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 Lauren McMaster was enjoying the sun in her mum's back garden Credit: Kennedy News 8 Paisley was left with agonising yellow blisters all over her shoulders Credit: Kennedy News 8 Her damaged back skin, during the healing process. Credit: Kennedy News The 30-year-old claimed she reapplied factor 50 sun cream on her daughter every 30 to 40 minutes 'because she's ginger' and that she did not stay in the sun too long as she was running in and out of the house. The mum even placed an umbrella over the pool when it got to midday, to avoid exposing Paisley at the time of day when the sun is the hottest. However Lauren let the youngster try out her new swimsuit - which exposed her shoulders to the sun's rays more than usual - and when Lauren gave Paisley a shower later that day, she noticed she had gone red on her shoulders, back and chest. Lauren was 'horrified' to wake up, the following morning, to Paisley screaming in pain - and was horrified to discover excruciating yellow blisters all over her body. The mum-of-two took her distressed daughter to Luton and Dunstable Hospital the next day where doctors had to burst her blisters and 'peel' her skin off. She describes the ordeal as the 'worst experience of her life' and is warning other parents to keep children covered up in the sun. Lauren, from Glasgow, Scotland, said: "We were in Luton at my mum's, in the garden, and she was in and out, it wasn't like she was out all day. "She was inside watching telly, playing on her iPad and then she was out in the pool with her cousins. "She wanted to wear her new swimming costume and I said you can wear it for a little while but then she had a swimming top. "I put sun cream on her every half hour to 45 minutes, because she's ginger. I've always been worried about this happening, but we've been on holiday to Spain and she didn't get like this. "I put an umbrella over the pool around the middle of the day because I know that's the hottest time of the day. "When she was in the shower, I noticed she was a bit red so I put some after sun on her and then got her ready in her pyjamas. "She woke up at 4am just screaming in pain and the sunburn was a lot more red. The next day the blisters started, very little, I called 111 and the blisters started forming together to make a bigger blister. "They called me back the next morning and told me to take her to hospital. They literally just pinched them and pulled them from her skin. "It was the most traumatic thing I've ever watched, it was horrendous. They had to rub her skin down, to scraped her skin off. They had to get rid of all the skin. 8 Paisley was hospitalised following the ordeal Credit: Kennedy News 8 The brave girl was nothing but courageous throughout her treatment Credit: Kennedy News 8 The schoolgirl is doing much better now, but it could take two years for her skin to return to normal Credit: Kennedy News "She was hysterical, screaming. It was the worst experience of my life, I wouldn't wish that upon my worst enemy. She was begging for them to stop and go home. "Even touching the sunburn was hurting her so scraping down her skin was the worst experience. "They had to put plasters on her wounds because the air hitting them was making them worse." The next morning, Paisley had to return to hospital and her skin started 'bleeding' as doctors reportedly continued to remove and wash her skin. Lauren was then referred to the Broomfield Hospital burns unit where she consulted a plastic surgeon who was able to remove her blisters using scissors. The mum said Paisley is now doing better but it could take up to two years for her skin to return to normal. Lauren now aims to raise awareness about the dangers of being out in the sun and urges parents to cover their children. She claims she chose factor 50 suncream and one that was water resistant however says the pool water turned cloudy - suggesting it could have come off. Lauren said: "I took her back the next morning and they took the plasters off and started ripping her skin off again, she started bleeding. "They had to wash it and clean it, put different bandages on her and referred her to the Broomfield burns hospital in Essex. "They then started to rip her skin off and she was screaming, she was begging for a break. At one point I had to say, I can't watch this anymore, you're really traumatising her. "A plastic surgeon came and he got some scissors, made a little hole and just let the liquid pour out and then cut the blister with the scissors and she was much calmer that way. "I couldn't imagine it for anyone, for Paisley to go through that. "We went back on Monday and they took her bandages off and they said her skin can take up to two years to heal and for her pigmentation to go back to normal. "It looks like really bad eczema, she has to be out of the sun for two years, always protected. I said the sun will never see her skin ever again. "Put clothes on them, do your research. She is just happy she can move and that she is not blistered. "It's been hot and she's not allowed to go in the sun, she has to be covered up. We just stay in and play games." 8 Paisley's skin after the blisters had been removed Credit: Kennedy News
