logo
I became a ‘hot girl' after losing three stone on fat jabs, but a mortifying side effect nearly ruined my life

I became a ‘hot girl' after losing three stone on fat jabs, but a mortifying side effect nearly ruined my life

The Sun6 days ago
AFTER losing three stone on fat jabs, Emmie Barwise loved nothing more than picking out a stylish outfit to showcase her svelte new figure.
However, there was one accessory she wasn't expecting to add to her wardrobe.
6
6
As well as figure-hugging dresses and thigh skimming skirts, Emmie was forced to start wearing panty liners daily.
Aside from her astonishing weight-loss, incontinence has been an unwelcome side effect of taking Mounjaro.
The 34-year-old explains: 'It would happen when I laughed, coughed or sneezed.
"I wet myself during one date, I never imagined that could happen with the jab.
'It was so frustrating, I finally felt confident enough to go on dates but I spent the whole time worrying it would happen.
'It was humiliating - I was a hot girl who couldn't pull.'
Events manager and single mum Emmie, who lives in Manchester with her 12-year-old daughter, says the unfortunate side-effect made her self-conscious
She admits: 'I constantly worried that I smelt of wee.
'It was really off-putting and something I never imagined I would have to deal with.'
Emmie says she began struggling with her weight last year when she started comfort eating during the winter months.
Doc gives advice on how to tackle Mounjaro side effect of excess loose skin
She says: 'I loved a good takeaway, a bottle of wine and chocolates.
'It was so cold last year, I found myself indulging way too much.'
By Christmas, the mum realised she'd gained three stone in just two months.
'As well as my main job, I also do catalogue modelling,' she says.
'I knew I needed to lose weight as I noticed I was losing work since gaining weight.'
A mortified Emmie hit the gym but found it hard to shift the pounds.
'I had friends who were using weight loss jabs, I'd heard good things and decided to give them a go,' she says.
In January, Emmie bought Mounjarno on a private prescription, paying £150 a month for the jabs.
6
6
6
'As soon as I started taking the jabs my food noise disappeared for the first time in my life,' she says.
But while Emmie quickly noticed her weight falling off, she soon became aware of her unfortunate side effect too.
She says: 'In the first four weeks, I lost seven pounds and felt amazing.
'But around the same time, I had been chatting to a man at a bar when I realised I had wet myself.
'It was just a few drops, but I fled to the loo with my jacket around my waist.'
Emmie's rapid weight loss in the first four weeks meant a rapid loss of tone around her pelvic floor muscles.
A study by HealthCentral.com revealed Ozempic or semaglutide can be linked to stress urinary incontinence.
This means the pelvic floor muscles can't hold up under pressure when you cough, sneeze or laugh because the drug's rapid weight and muscle loss, especially in pelvic muscles, lowers pelvic support and increases leakage risk.
Emmie says: 'The first time it happened, I convinced myself I had drunk too much.
'When it happened at work, I bought period panty liner pads to help control my pee problem.
'I even considered adult nappies for an extreme emergency.
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.
'I had no idea that this was a possible side effect of the jab, it's definitely not one that people talk about.'
In a bid to ease her embarrassing symptoms, Emmie immediately began doing her pelvic floor exercises three times a day.
She says: 'I use Kegel balls, which come in different weights with strings attached.
'You pop inside your vagina and practice holding them for different periods of time.
'It took four weeks of training, but my symptoms have finally eased up.'
While urinary incontinence might have been a negative side effect, Emmie has found an added bonus aside from her weight loss.
'The jab has increased by sex drive and my orgasms are stronger than ever,' she says.
'I consider that an added bonus.'
According to research, the GLP-1 drugs can also alter autonomic nervous system responses and increase blood circulation, especially to your pubic area, which could explain Emmie's heightened sensitivity and increased sex drive.
After six months of using Mounjarno, Emmie has now lost 3st 1lb and has no regrets.
She says: 'I don't regret using the drug to fast-track my weight loss.
'It's not cheating, it's using what works for you.
'The oddball side effects created havoc in my life, but I got through it and I am back to feeling like my best self.'
6
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Experts reveal the exact science-backed workout you should do to lose weight
Experts reveal the exact science-backed workout you should do to lose weight

Daily Mail​

timean hour ago

  • Daily Mail​

Experts reveal the exact science-backed workout you should do to lose weight

Finding it difficult to keep up with your summer workout goals? Your personality may be to blame. Based on an eight-week experiment, researchers from the University College London have discovered that matching your exercise routine to your personality could make it more enjoyable and give you better results. The scientists measured strength levels, as well as the prominence of different personality traits during the study. They found that extroverts preferred high-intensity workouts, while people who tend to worry favored short bursts of activity and saw greater stress reduction from exercise. The scientists also pointed out that the most important part about exercising was doing something that brought joy to you. Study author Dr Flaminia Ronca from UCL Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health said: 'We found some clear links between personality traits and the type of exercise the participants enjoyed most, which I think is important because we could potentially use this knowledge to tailor physical activity recommendations to the individual – and hopefully help them to become and remain more active. 'Our brains are wired in different ways, which drives our behaviors and how we interact with our environment. 'So it's not surprising that personality would also influence how we respond to different intensities of exercise.' The American Heart Association recommends adults engage in moderate-intensity aerobic activity for about 150 minutes per week, including 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity or a combination of both, preferably spread throughout the week. For this study, the team divided 86 volunteers with a range of fitness levels and backgrounds into two groups. The first group, consisting of 25 people, was provided with an eight-week home-based fitness plan made up of cycling and strength training. The other group of 51 people continued their usual lifestyle and were only asked to stretch twice a week. During the exercise program, all participants were also asked to rate their enjoyment of each exercise session. Variations in their strength before and after the experiment was also measured through push ups, the ability to hold a plank and jumping. This was followed by a low intensity cycling session for 30 minutes and then a cycling test to measure their oxygen capacity. Additionally, scientists also studied participants' personality traits, including sociability, diligence, agreeableness, openness and negative emotions such as fear of failure, anxiety and self doubt in each participant by asking them to answer a questionnaire. The team also assessed their perceived stress levels on a scale of one to 10. Results showed that those who scored high on diligence and openness were found to engage in exercise regardless of whether they enjoyed it or were driven by curiosity to try a new workout respectively. Participants who were found to be very diligent also tended to have a well-rounded fitness level - meaning they scored higher on aerobic fitness as well as core strength - and were generally more physically active. While those who showed more anxiety and self doubt preferred private workouts and needed short breaks in between their sessions. Notably, the study also showed that the stress levels in people who experienced negative emotions significantly decreased after they began working out on their own or in private sessions. Dr Ronca said: 'It's fantastic news, as it highlights that those who benefit the most from a reduction in stress respond very well to exercise.' Senior author Professor Paul Burgess from the UCL Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience explained: 'We found that people who scored more highly in the neuroticism personality trait showed a particularly strong reduction in stress when they undertook the fitness training recommended in the study. 'This suggests that there may be particular benefits in stress reduction for those with this trait.' Previous research shows that people with anxiety and stress may find private exercise particularly more enjoyable than working out in a group as it makes them feel less conscious and removes worry about being judged or compared to others. Those who showed more anxiety and self doubt preferred private workouts and needed short breaks in between their sessions This allows them to feel more in control and they are able to focus more on their personal needs and preferences - which in turn, leads to their stress levels to decrease. Additionally, people who were very social and outgoing enjoyed high intensity sessions with others around such as high intensity interval training (HIIT), team sports and intense cycling The researchers noted that all 86 participants ended the study noticeably stronger and fitter by the time after the eight weeks. Professor Burgess added: 'We hope that if people can find physical activities that they enjoy they will more readily choose to do them. 'After all, we don't have to nag dogs to go for a walk: being so physically inactive that we start to feel miserable might be a peculiarly human thing to do. In effect, our body punishes us by making us miserable. 'But for some reason, many of us humans seem poor at picking up on these messages it is sending to our brain.' The study was published in Frontiers in Psychology on July 7.

Neil Gray blasted for 'disgusting spin' on worst cancer wait times ever recorded
Neil Gray blasted for 'disgusting spin' on worst cancer wait times ever recorded

Daily Mail​

time3 hours ago

  • Daily Mail​

Neil Gray blasted for 'disgusting spin' on worst cancer wait times ever recorded

Neil Gray has been accused of a 'grotesque' attempt to 'spin' the worst ever cancer waiting times by hiding behind a statistic now exposed as another record failure. The SNP health secretary was urged to apologise yesterday after his 'crass' and 'desperate' bid to distract the public was revealed by the Lib Dems. The row blew up as Mr Gray faced further criticism over the Government's apparent inability to get a grip on waiting times in A&E. Public Health Scotland reported almost a third of patients waiting too long to be seen in casualty units last week barely changed from the week before. Mr Gray came under intense criticism last month when it emerged Scotland's NHS recorded its worst cancer waiting times in the first three months of 2025. Since 2016, the target has been for 95 per cent of patients referred with an urgent suspicion of cancer to start treatment within 62 days. But between January and March a record low of just 68.9 per cent were treated on time, down from 73.5 per cent the previous quarter. Mr Gray chose to lead a healthcare trade mission to Japan when the data was published, leading to claims he was 'missing in action' on a 'junket'. But he did issue a statement drawing attention to a different cancer statistic - which has now caused a second outcry. 'The median wait for urgent suspicion of cancer referral to treatment is 52 days, demonstrating the extensive work by staff across Scotland to treat people as quickly and effectively as possible,' he said. But official data has revealed this was a record high, up from 49 days the previous quarter, and from 41 days when records began in 2016. The median is the central point in a set of numbers. Scottish Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said: 'The SNP are fast running out of excuses. 'It is grotesque and dangerously misleading for the Health Secretary to suggest that the average wait of 52 days shows progress, when that too is the worst on record. 'This kind of desperate and irresponsible political spin does nothing to bring down waits. The Health Secretary ought to apologise to patients.' Tory public health spokesman Brian Whittle said: 'It is appalling that Neil Gray doubled down on trying to paint the worst cancer waiting times on record in a better light. 'His attempts to distract from the SNP's record-breaking failure is crass and deeply insulting to suffering patients. He should be focused on saving lives, not saving face. 'Under the SNP, cancer care is in crisis and no amount of PR can mask their shocking neglect of Scotland's health service.' But in response, Mr Gray refused to apologise and effectively repeated his original spin. He said: 'We want to improve cancer waiting times and we know some people are waiting too long. 'The median wait from urgent suspicion of cancer referral to treatment is 52 days, and once a decision has been taken to treat somebody, the median wait for that treatment to begin is three days. This demonstrates the extensive work by staff across Scotland to treat people as quickly and effectively as possible.' New data yesterday also showed A&E waits improved in the week to June 29, with 67.6 per cent of patients seen within the four-hour target, up from 67.3 per cent the previous week. Waits of over eight and 12 hours also fell by around 0.5 per centage points. But the marginal gains were only achieved after patient numbers slumped 9.3 per cent. Mr Gray said the numbers were 'moving in the right direction'. Tory MSP Dr Sandesh Gulhane said the health secretary was 'burying his head in the sand'. Scottish Labour deputy Dame Jackie Baillie added: 'The reality is that John Swinney and the SNP have no meaningful plan, no strategy, and no ideas to save our NHS.'

Legal action expected over loyalist bonfire sparking concern in Belfast
Legal action expected over loyalist bonfire sparking concern in Belfast

The Independent

time3 hours ago

  • The Independent

Legal action expected over loyalist bonfire sparking concern in Belfast

Legal action is expected to be launched over a loyalist bonfire in south Belfast which has sparked concern. The location of the towering pyre is close to an electricity substation which powers two major Belfast hospitals. It is set to be lit on July 11 ahead of annual Orange Order parades on July 12. NIE Networks said it has put mitigations in place at the substation to reduce the risk of damage. It is understood that correspondence has been exchanged between a Belfast legal firm and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), Belfast City Council, the Department for Infrastructure and the Department for Communities. The PSNI said it 'continues to work with our partner agencies, community representatives and landowners to address community safety issues relating to bonfires'. A spokesperson added: 'As there is the potential that judicial proceedings may be initiated, it would be inappropriate to comment any further.' Earlier a spokesperson for the Belfast Health Trust confirmed the substation supplies power to both the Royal Victoria Hospital and Belfast City Hospital (BCH). They said they are continuing to monitor developments in relation to the bonfire, and said at this stage there is no requirement to cancel any appointments. 'Our staff will remain in contact with relevant stakeholders over the coming days,' they said. 'On-site contingency measures include emergency back-up generators, which are tested regularly. 'Belfast Trust continues to review these arrangements with clinical teams at the BCH site. 'The trust is satisfied that there is currently no requirement to cancel any planned treatments or procedures.' Health Minister Mike Nesbitt paid a 'fact-finding visit to the site' on Tuesday. A department spokesperson said he took part in the visit 'in line with his ministerial responsibilities', and will receive updates from Belfast Trust and Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service. The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) said the NIEA is working with Belfast City Council to cover asbestos-containing material at the site and erect additional fencing. Although a spokesperson said it is 'primarily the responsibility of the landowner'. Stormont Opposition leader Matthew O'Toole, who represents South Belfast, also expressed concern around the presence of asbestos on the site. 'The issue of the bonfire at Donegall Road exposes the democratic scandal of how this place works,' he said in a post on the social media network X. 'There is a credible risk to public health but neither the responsible Alliance environment minister, UUP health minister nor any Executive party will say anything. Why not?' NIE Networks said it has met with relevant stakeholders to express its concerns over the bonfire's proximity to the substation causing potential risk to critical infrastructure and power outages. 'Mitigations have been put in place, including turning off the transformers adjacent to the bonfire, building scaffolding with metal sheeting around the transformers and placing steel plates on open cable ducts to reduce the risk of fire and damage,' they said. 'Whilst these mitigations are in place, there will be a reduction in security of supply for the area. 'We would remind the public that flames near to power lines and electricity substations pose serious risk to everyone's safety and wellbeing.' The DAERA also said that NIEA officials remain in ongoing contact with the council and enforcement investigation continues in relation to the site. The bonfire, just off the Donegall Road, is one of an estimated 300 set to be lit across July 10-11 in Northern Ireland. Most of the bonfires, which are normally lit ahead of loyal order parades across the region on July 12, pass off without incident. However the fires, ranging from towering structures to beacons, have sparked anger following the burning of flags, effigies and election posters in the past. One of the tallest bonfires in recent years has been at Craigyhill in Larne, which reportedly reached 62 metres in 2022.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store