I've lost 3.8 stone on Mounjaro but have had horrid side effects – hair loss & the ‘burning sensation' is just the start
But despite shifting the weight, Chloe Mckernan, 32, who is currently on her 'glow up journey', has experienced a number of horrible side effects.
3
3
Not only has the brunette been battling hair loss and a sore scalp, but she's also been experiencing a strange 'burning sensation' too.
Posting on social media, Chloe, who now has the 'confidence to wear shorts again', revealed that she has lost 3 stone 8 lbs after using Mounjaro, but experts and NHS medics warn about the dangers of taking such medications without a prescription.
The young woman confirmed that as a result of taking Mounjaro, which is regarded by some as the King Kong of weight loss jabs, she has been accused of 'cheating' her weight loss.
But she isn't bothered by what people say, as despite her side effects, she 'feels amazing'.
Sun GP Dr Zoe Williams claimed that Mounjaro, which could soon be rolled out on the NHS, can save the lives of people with 'life-threatening levels of obesity '.
But despite this, the NHS warned: 'Never take an anti-obesity medicine if it has not been prescribed to you.
"These types of medicines may not be safe for you and can cause serious side effects.'
In a recent clip shared online, Chloe revealed the side effects she has had from taking Mounjaro.
She explained: 'Sometimes I feel dizzy when I stand up…always when I've not drunk enough water.
'I can eat most foods but some foods I used to love I can't eat…'
Weight Loss Jabs - Pros vs Cons
Not only this, but she also added: 'My scalp has been really sore recently…I assume this is due to hair loss…
'When I take my dose, the smell of food sometimes makes me sick.'
And that's not all, as she also acknowledged: 'Sometimes my skin feels sore to touch…This is a common side effect for Mounjaro…it's almost like a burning sensation.'
But despite the side effects, Chloe is 'so happy' she started her Mounjaro journey.
She claimed that it hasn't all been negative, as she also now has 'increased energy', no longer battles 'food noise' and has been able to better 'understand portion control' since using the fat jabs.
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.
Mounjaro users react
Chloe's TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ chlo_mckernan, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 500,500 views.
Not only this, but it's also amassed 8,846 likes, 341 comments and 624 saves.
Numerous other Mounjaro users eagerly flocked to the comments, keen to share the side effects they have experienced whilst using fat jabs.
One person said: 'I have sore skin!!!! And achy legs.'
Another added: 'The coldness, I am constantly freezing.'
A third commented: 'My period is the worst period I've ever had in my life.'
Someone else explained: 'The only side effects I've had is being cold a lot and really bad sulphur burps.'
Whilst another woman chimed in: 'I only started on Wednesday, I've been ill! Shivering, skin sore to touch, being physically sick, back stomach pains, lethargic, light headed….'
Fatal consequences
In addition to horrendous side effects, those debating whether to begin using Mounjaro should know that it can also have fatal consequences.
The injections are licensed for patients with type 2 diabetes and are administered every seven days.
They are also available to assist those who are clinically obese (with a Body Mass Index of 30 or over).
The drugs, which have been widely regarded as 'fat jabs', can be prescribed by a practitioner - such as a doctor, nurse or a pharmacist-independent prescriber.
But increasingly, we are seeing more and more people buying them through online pharmacies, without sufficient checks.
Not only this, but recently, figures from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency revealed that fat jabs had been linked to 82 deaths across the UK.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Leader Live
10 minutes ago
- Leader Live
Ella Henderson shares endometriosis diagnosis in bid to ‘spread awareness'
The 29-year old, who found fame on the TV singing competition, The X Factor, in 2012, said that she was diagnosed in January after a laparoscopy revealed 'severe endometriosis' behind her uterus and scar tissue affecting her bladder and bowel. According to the NHS website, endometriosis is caused when cells similar to those in the lining of the womb (uterus) grow in other parts of the body. A post shared by ELLA HENDERSON (@ellahendersonofficial) In a statement shared on her Instagram account on Wednesday, Henderson said she wants others suffering with the condition to know they are not alone. She said: 'After years of struggling with confusing and challenging health problems including stomach bloating, bowel pain and heavy periods, plus countless GP appointments leading to scans, tests and the feeling that maybe the pain was all in my head, I was officially diagnosed with endometriosis in January this year. 'My long journey to an endometriosis diagnosis is not unique. It takes on average up to nine years in the UK, which for many like me, can put an immense mental and physical toll on you. 'Living in chronic pain, not being believed, and constant misdiagnosis led to periods of depression, isolation and anxiety. If health practitioners had recognised my endometriosis symptoms sooner, I might have been spared all that.' Despite there not being a cure for endometriosis, there are treatments available that can help manage the pain including surgery which Henderson said had helped to 'significantly' reduce symptoms. She has since partnered with the charity, Endometriosis UK, to help raise awareness about the condition. She added: 'I don't want future generations of women to go through what I did. I know that my situation isn't unique, and too many women unnecessarily suffer with undiagnosed endometriosis for far too long. 'My hope is to be a voice for those still searching for answers and show those living with endometriosis that they're not alone. 'I want anyone living with this condition to feel a sense of empowerment and be enabled to take back control of their lives by knowing what is actually going on with their bodies. 'I believe it is so important that we begin to have more open conversations about menstrual health and endometriosis. 'Spreading awareness and knowledge by having wider discussions on the matter is key. 'The only way we can feel more comfortable and in control is by sharing our own experiences.' The Lincolnshire-born singer finished sixth on The X Factor where she went on to release her debut single Ghost which reached number one in the UK singles charts before releasing her debut studio album Chapter One.
South Wales Guardian
10 minutes ago
- South Wales Guardian
Ella Henderson shares endometriosis diagnosis in bid to ‘spread awareness'
The 29-year old, who found fame on the TV singing competition, The X Factor, in 2012, said that she was diagnosed in January after a laparoscopy revealed 'severe endometriosis' behind her uterus and scar tissue affecting her bladder and bowel. According to the NHS website, endometriosis is caused when cells similar to those in the lining of the womb (uterus) grow in other parts of the body. A post shared by ELLA HENDERSON (@ellahendersonofficial) In a statement shared on her Instagram account on Wednesday, Henderson said she wants others suffering with the condition to know they are not alone. She said: 'After years of struggling with confusing and challenging health problems including stomach bloating, bowel pain and heavy periods, plus countless GP appointments leading to scans, tests and the feeling that maybe the pain was all in my head, I was officially diagnosed with endometriosis in January this year. 'My long journey to an endometriosis diagnosis is not unique. It takes on average up to nine years in the UK, which for many like me, can put an immense mental and physical toll on you. 'Living in chronic pain, not being believed, and constant misdiagnosis led to periods of depression, isolation and anxiety. If health practitioners had recognised my endometriosis symptoms sooner, I might have been spared all that.' Despite there not being a cure for endometriosis, there are treatments available that can help manage the pain including surgery which Henderson said had helped to 'significantly' reduce symptoms. She has since partnered with the charity, Endometriosis UK, to help raise awareness about the condition. She added: 'I don't want future generations of women to go through what I did. I know that my situation isn't unique, and too many women unnecessarily suffer with undiagnosed endometriosis for far too long. 'My hope is to be a voice for those still searching for answers and show those living with endometriosis that they're not alone. 'I want anyone living with this condition to feel a sense of empowerment and be enabled to take back control of their lives by knowing what is actually going on with their bodies. 'I believe it is so important that we begin to have more open conversations about menstrual health and endometriosis. 'Spreading awareness and knowledge by having wider discussions on the matter is key. 'The only way we can feel more comfortable and in control is by sharing our own experiences.' The Lincolnshire-born singer finished sixth on The X Factor where she went on to release her debut single Ghost which reached number one in the UK singles charts before releasing her debut studio album Chapter One.
The Independent
10 minutes ago
- The Independent
What to expect from Modi's visit to UK
Indian prime minister Narendra Modi is travelling to the UK to formally sign a free trade agreement amid global trade tensions sparked by Donald Trump 's tariffs. The long-awaited signing of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement, agreed in May after three years of negotiations and described variously as 'landmark' and 'historic', is the centrepiece of the visit. Mr Modi's two-day state visit, starting Wednesday, is his fourth to the UK and comes at a pivotal moment for both nations. For India, it offers a chance to diversify trade and diplomatic partnerships. For the UK, still grappling with post-Brexit trade issues, the deal represents a rare economic breakthrough. Mr Modi's trade minister, Piyush Goyal, is accompanying him for the formal signing, an Indian commerce ministry official said. 'This is a significant agreement," Vikram Misri, India's foreign secretary, told reporters on Tuesday, adding that legal vetting of the deal was near completion. Mr Modi is meeting his counterpart Keir Starmer for 'wide-ranging' talks on trade, defence, security and technological cooperation as well as climate. He is likely to meet King Charles as well. While the trade deal remains the focal point, the trip is also aimed at resetting bilateral ties, deepening strategic cooperation, and amplifying people-to-people links. The agreement, expected to boost a £42.6bn trading relationship, was finalised after 14 formal rounds of negotiations. Mr Goyal earlier called the deal 'a turning point in India's outward economic engagement and a win-win for both economies'. Mr Starmer hailed it as 'a bold step forward for Global Britain', projecting it to boost GDP by £4.8bn annually and potentially support over 30,000 new jobs. Under the deal, the UK agreed to eliminate or phase out tariffs on over 99 per cent of Indian exports, including textiles, auto parts, leather goods, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural products. India in turn agreed to cut tariffs on 90 per cent of British goods. It agreed to significantly lower levies on British exports like Scotch whisky, Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles, luxury cosmetics, and certain high-tech goods. British cars, which currently attract tariffs of over 100 per cent in India, will see duties reduced to 10 per cent. The deal also offers tariff concessions on medical devices, pharmaceuticals, aircraft components, and electronic goods. In return, Indian manufacturers are expected to gain access to the UK market for electric and hybrid vehicles, the commerce ministry official said. 'The UK is an important market for Indian exporters," said Ajay Sahai, director general of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations, adding the pact would boost trade and provide access for Indian sectors like textiles, footwear, marine and engineering products. Beyond trade, Mr Modi and Mr Starmer are likely to discuss bolstering the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, originally launched in 2021. Mr Modi is also scheduled to meet leaders of the Indian diaspora, estimated at over 1.7m. The free trade deal had to undergo parliamentary scrutiny in the UK and a review by the Indian cabinet before it could come into force. The Indian cabinet approved the deal on Tuesday after a legal scrubbing of its text. The British parliament is yet to approve it. Sensitivities remain around issues that are either unresolved or that have been quietly sidestepped for now. India has firmly excluded agriculture from the scope of the deal, a politically and economically sensitive sector that sustains more than 40 per cent of the country's workforce. This longstanding red line reflects New Delhi's resistance to exposing its farmers to foreign competition and has complicated talks with other major partners, including the US. Among the more controversial provisions is India's commitment to gradually lower tariffs on certain British imports such as Scotch whisky and luxury vehicles. While these sectors are crucial for the UK, Indian manufacturers, particularly in the alcohol industry, have warned a flood of high-end imports could affect the market and harm homegrown brands. Mr Modi's trip to the UK is part of a two-nation tour. From the UK, he will visit the Maldives for his third trip to the island nation and first since Mohamed Muizzu, known for his pro-China leanings, became president in November 2023.
