I became a ‘hot girl' after losing three stone on fat jabs, but a mortifying side effect nearly ruined my life
However, there was one accessory she wasn't expecting to add to her
6
Emma Barwise piled on the pounds after indulging during the winter months
6
After taking Mounjaro she was able to shed three stone, but with an unexpected side-effect
As well as figure-hugging dresses and thigh skimming skirts, Emmie was forced to start wearing
Aside from her astonishing
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
Emma lost modelling work after her winter weight gain
6
She was thrilled to shed the pounds but discovered that Mounjaro caused her to lose bladder control
6
Emmie is a single mum and was glad to get back on the dating scene but her incontinence made her worry
'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.'
I even considered adult nappies for an extreme emergency
Emmie Barwise
Emmie's rapid weight loss in the first four weeks meant a rapid loss of tone around her pelvic floor muscles.
A study by
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 oddball side effects created havoc in my life, but I got through it and I am back to feeling like my best self
Emmie Barwise
'The jab has increased by sex drive and my
'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
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
Emmie has now got her side effects under control after strengthening her pelvic floor
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The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
Mounjaro warning over common prescription mistake that puts thousands of Brits ‘at risk of deadly organ failure'
BRITS using the fat jab Mounjaro could be at risk of deadly organ failure due to a common mistake, an expert has warned. Branded the 'King Kong' of weight loss injections, Mounjaro can now be prescribed by GPs on the NHS. Advertisement 2 As millions of Brits turn to fat jabs to shed pounds, one nurse has warned those taking Mounjaro - the strongest of the jabs - that a common mistake could lead to deadly complications Credit: Alamy But while more than three million Brits are thought to be eligible to take tirzepatide - the active drug in Mounjaro - only around 220,000 people are likely to get them prescribed on the NHS by 2028. With demand soaring for the 'miracle' drugs that health chiefs hope will turn the tide on England's obesity crisis, thousands of Brits have opted to pay for the jabs privately. Like all medications the weight loss jabs come with the risk of side-effects, ranging from milder symptoms like nausea, diarrhoea and constipation to more severe complications. Among the most dangerous is the potentially life-threatening condition, Advertisement Read more in Health Rachael Joy, nurse and chief clinical officer at SheMed, a private healthcare provider, told the "These blood tests help identify any underlying health issues that need to be managed before a patient starts the programme, or if the treatment is entirely unsuitable." Blood tests can screen for a host of health issues including thyroid problems, uncontrolled pre-diabetes, and high levels of harmful fats called triglycerides in the blood. These come from foods, including butter, oil and fats, certain levels of these fats are needed for good health but high levels increase the risk of Advertisement Most read in Health If someone has really high levels of these fats they may be at risk of pancreatitis, Ms Joy warns. Pancreatitis is an I went on fat jabs but the hair loss was unbelievable so I quit - I'd rather be chubby with hair than skinny and bald There is a relatively high survival rate for pancreatitis but it can trigger organ failure. In a few cases of severe acute Advertisement This in turn can cause a deadly sepsis infection and cause other organs to fail. Severe acute Officials are now looking into whether jab users affected by pancreatitis have a genetic trait that leaves them at greater risk of side-effects. 2 Mounjaro, dubbed the King Kong of weight loss injections, could trigger pancreatitis. Nurse Rachel Joy has warned without regular blood tests to check for the condition, people could be at risk Credit: Alamy Advertisement Ms Joy has said this could be flagged by a simple blood test. She is urging SheMed have made blood tests a mandatory part of their programme before prescribing the revolutionary jab. The Advertisement The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said it received more than 560 reports of people developing an inflamed pancreas after taking so-called The MHRA is now asking for users who are admitted to hospital with pancreatitis to report the Healthcare staff can also report the side-effect on a patient's behalf, which involves providing further information and submitting a saliva sample. Researchers hope this will enable doctors to use rapid genetic screening tests before prescribing drugs. Advertisement It is predicted that adverse drug reactions could cost the NHS more than £2.2 billion a year in hospital stays alone. Most side effects linked to the Mounjaro are gastrointestinal including nausea, constipation and diarrhoea. But Ms Joy has warned that the weight loss jab can also cause severe dehydration, especially in people with diabetes. It can cause headaches and dizziness and if not treated quickly can lead to seizures and kidney failure and even be fatal. Advertisement What is pancreatitis? INFLAMMATION in the stomach area could lead to the discovery of one of several different illnesses, such as pancreatitis. Many people worldwide experience the symptoms associated with pancreatitis, here's a look at how to identify the unfortunate Acute pancreatitis means severe inflammation of the pancreas, a large gland behind the stomach that helps with digestion. The most common causes are gallstones and heavy drinking. Acute pancreatitis means that the information eventually disappears, while chronic pancreatitis is permanent. About four in 100,000 people suffer from acute pancreatitis each year in Britain. According to a The main symptom of acute pancreatitis is abdominal pain, which builds up over the course of a few hours and can last for several days. Patients with pancreatitis may find themselves vomiting or generally feeling unwell. Some report swollen abdomens which are often associated with a high fever. The condition can become life-threatening if the pancreas swells enough to press on other organs - often the heart, lungs, and kidneys. To combat the condition of pancreatitis, there are several methods that medical professionals use to treat it. Antibiotics, intravenous fluids, and pain medication are a few of the approaches experts utilize to fight the condition. If a gallstone is present, an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography might be required. If the condition is chronic, a nasogastric tube may be placed in the stomach.
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- The Irish Sun
I became a ‘hot girl' after losing three stone on fat jabs, but a mortifying side effect nearly ruined my life
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 6 Emma Barwise piled on the pounds after indulging during the winter months 6 After taking Mounjaro she was able to shed three stone, but with an unexpected side-effect As well as figure-hugging dresses and thigh skimming skirts, Emmie was forced to start wearing Aside from her astonishing 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 Emma lost modelling work after her winter weight gain 6 She was thrilled to shed the pounds but discovered that Mounjaro caused her to lose bladder control 6 Emmie is a single mum and was glad to get back on the dating scene but her incontinence made her worry '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.' I even considered adult nappies for an extreme emergency Emmie Barwise Emmie's rapid weight loss in the first four weeks meant a rapid loss of tone around her pelvic floor muscles. A study by 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 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 oddball side effects created havoc in my life, but I got through it and I am back to feeling like my best self Emmie Barwise 'The jab has increased by sex drive and my '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 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 Emmie has now got her side effects under control after strengthening her pelvic floor
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- The Irish Sun
I've lost 5st on Mounjaro – I have zero saggy skin and even went down a shoe size, but there is one bad side effect
A MUM has shed almost 5st in five months thanks to Mounjaro - and revealed it's not only her clothing size that's reduced. Lucy, 37, started taking the weight loss jab in February when she tipped the scales at 16st 10lb. Advertisement 4 Lucy was a size 22 and weighed in at 16st 10lb before Mounjaro Credit: TikTok @ 4 The mum has now lost almost 5st Credit: TikTok @ The mum of three, from Greenock, Invercylde, now weighs just 11st 13lb. She's even managed to avoid the loose and saggy skin that has plagued other Mounjaro users thanks to a regular exercise regime. And she no longer craves greasy takeaways or junk food. Lucy - a full-time carer for her children, two of whom have additional needs - told Fabulous: "I had been trying to lose weight for years, but struggled to lose more then 10lbs. Advertisement "At Christmas it reached the point I was a size 22 and clothes were tight. This is when I started doing research on Mounjaro as I had seen online amazing results. "I didn't have a specific target weight. I wanted to be a size 12/14 but I have no desire to be really skinny as I do like being curvy. "I am very open and everyone knows I am on Mounjaro, a lot of my friends are too. And we support each others journeys." Mounjaro, which is known as the King Kong of weight loss jabs, works by suppressing the appetite and making people feel fuller for longer. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Such injections are licensed for patients with type 2 diabetes and to assist those who are clinically obese - with a Body Mass Index of 30 or over. One jab is administered each week but the duration is dependent on a person's weight. Doc gives advice on how to tackle Mounjaro side effect of excess loose skin The drugs can be lawfully supplied only when prescribed by a practitioner - like a doctor, nurse or a pharmacist-independent prescriber. Recalling her journey so far, Lucy said: "I perhaps didn't do what most people do and move up doses every four weeks. Advertisement "I stayed on the starting dose of 2.5mg for 17 weeks and lost it slow and steady. "I attempted the 5mg but I didn't like the amount of suppression it gave, I could barely eat, and that's not the mindset I want. "I want to have slight suppression so that I am making my own choice what to eat. "I am back on the 2.5mg and using it as a maintenance dose, but do plan to stop after the summer holidays and maintain on my own." Advertisement 4 Lucy has managed to avoid loose and saggy skin during her weight loss Credit: TikTok @ 4 She hails her 'slow and steady' approach for being so successful in her Mounjaro journey Credit: TikTok @ She added: "Since losing all the weight my relationship with food is completely different. "Anything greasy turns my stomach, I have attempted a Chinese and I was sick after it, so have completely avoided takeaways. Advertisement "I don't miss any snacks and treats, I just don't think about food as much. Shoe knew? Lucy documents her Mounjaro journey on TikTok ( While she says her experience has been overwhelmingly positive, she has had side effects including sickness and sore heads. She was also forced to chop her locks into a bob and start taking vitamins due to hair loss. Advertisement But it's a lesser-known side benefit that left her stunned on her weight loss journey. What to do if you lose too much weight too quickly whilst on Mounjaro IF you're losing too much weight too quickly while on Mounjaro, it's important to take action to avoid potential health risks like muscle loss, malnutrition, dehydration, and fatigue. Here's what you can do: Evaluate Your Caloric Intake Mounjaro reduces appetite, which can make it easy to eat too little. If you're losing weight too fast (more than two to three lbs per week after the initial adjustment period), try: Tracking your food intake to ensure you're eating enough calories (apps like MyFitnessPal can help). Increasing protein intake to preserve muscle mass (aim for 0.6–1g per pound of body weight). Adding healthy fats and complex carbs (e.g., avocados, nuts, whole grains) for balanced energy. Adjust Your Dosage (With Doctor's Approval) If your weight loss is too rapid or causing side effects, your doctor may: Pause dose increases or lower your dosage. Adjust your treatment plan to stabilise your weight loss. Strength Training & Exercise To prevent muscle loss: Incorporate resistance training at least two to three times per week. Stay active with low-impact exercises like walking or yoga. Hydrate & Manage Electrolytes Drink enough water (Mounjaro can reduce thirst). Electrolytes matter - Consider adding magnesium, sodium, and potassium if you feel weak or fatigued. Monitor for Malnutrition & Deficiencies Rapid weight loss can cause vitamin/mineral deficiencies (especially B12, iron, and electrolytes). If you experience: Fatigue, hair loss, or dizziness, ask your doctor about supplements. Consider Further Medical Guidance If your weight loss is excessive or causing health concerns, speak with your healthcare provider. They might adjust your dosage, diet, or exercise plan to help stabilise your weight loss. "My shoe size has changed which is bizzare", she revealed. "My feet have got skinnier. I usually wear a size six but I have found recently my trainers feel a bit loose on me." And it turns out she's not alone, as her revelation sparked similar admissions from other Mounjaro users. Advertisement One said: "I've came down a whole shoe size lol ! It's not just you." A second wrote: "Started my weight loss journey at 26st 11 I was a size 7. I'm now 11st and a size 4.5/5." "Yep, I've gone from a 5 to a 4.5. Bought shoes today", revealed a third. A fourth added: "I'm 25kg down since January and I've gone from a size 7 to a size 5.5." Advertisement Meanwhile, a fifth chimed in: "I went down a shoe size after I lost 6 stone! it's definitely a thing." For anyone considering Mounjaro, Lucy recommends a "slow and steady" approach and guzzling down at least two litres of water a day. Read more on the Irish Sun She continued: "Don't move up doses to quickly, fast weight loss can trigger other health issues. Slow and steady worked great for me. Advertisement "And once you hit your target weight, try not to keep setting new targets. You don't want to develop an unhealthy relationship with your body."
