I stopped taking Mounjaro for 2 weeks & here's what really happens – yes, I've gained weight and I was ‘uncontrollable'
Carmel Elizabeth Smith, a mother from the UK, weighed 16 stone before she started using the injections in a bid to slim down.
Advertisement
3
A mother has revealed what really happens when you stop taking Mounjaro
Credit: TikTok/mounjarojourneyandme2
3
Carmel Elizabeth Smith got candid on being 'uncontrollable' and shared exactly how much weight she put back on after ditching the injections for just two weeks
Credit: TikTok/mounjarojourneyandme2
3
Mounjaro is used to treat type 2 diabetes
Credit: Getty
Now, the pink-haired beauty, who was previously suffering from pre-diabetes and
But Carmel was eager to set the record straight on what she has recently experienced after she stopped injecting.
Posting on social media, the savvy mum explained: 'So I went on holiday and didn't take
'For all the people thinking 'does the appetite come back?' Absolutely, absolutely.'
Advertisement
Read more on fat jabs
Mounjaro, which is known as the King Kong of jabs, is now being prescribed on the NHS in the first anti-obesity rollout of its kind.
It is said to suppress the appetite, making people feel fuller for longer.
Such injections are licensed for patients with
One jab is administered each week but the duration is dependent on a person's weight.
Advertisement
Most read in Fabulous
But the content creator explained that she became 'uncontrollable' when it came to eating after stopping the injections, as she added: 'For the first five days on holiday, I was fine, I was just eating my normal little appetite - got to about day six and I started having some dinners, then it started to be little snacks in between.'
After two weeks, Carmel had put on 8lbs, as she explained: 'I got home and I don't know what happened, but I was uncontrollable - crisps, Haribo's, sweets, cake.'
Sun Health Explainer: Fat jabs
Now, Carmel is back on Mounjaro and luckily, is beginning to see her weight decrease again.
'Back on it and starting to lose again - but yeah, when you stop taking
Advertisement
Social media users react
Carmel's TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @
Not only this, but it had also amassed 1,158 likes and 315 comments.
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.
Social media users were stunned by Carmel's claims and many eagerly flocked to the comments to share their thoughts.
Advertisement
One person said: 'Thank you for this. I'm going away in a few weeks for two weeks and wasn't sure whether to stop or not but now I'm going to stay on it. For me personally, I'd rather eat a bit less on holiday as it's been so hard for me to lose weight over the last nine months. I'd be devastated if I ended up putting on weight while I was away.'
Another added: 'I'm thinking I'm gonna have to be on this for life.'
When you stop taking Mounjaro, God help
Carmel Elizabeth Smith
A third commented: 'I was fine for six weeks then bang…uncontrollable hunger.'
Whilst someone else wrote: 'I'd never ever stop, it's not worth it, I did it once because of finance but I'd never do it on purpose.'
Advertisement
Meanwhile, another user questioned: 'So does this mean you are trapped in the expensive money go round?'
To this, Carmel replied and confirmed: 'Looks that way.'
The reality of Mounjaro
Although many have boasted about
A probe also found that nearly 400 people have gone to hospital after taking
Advertisement
The common side effects include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, which can lead to severe dehydration.
What are the other side effects of weight loss jabs?
Like any medication, weight loss jabs can have side effects.
Common side effects of injections such as Ozempic include:
Nausea
: This is the most commonly reported side effect, especially when first starting the medication. It often decreases over time as your body adjusts.
Vomiting
: Can occur, often in conjunction with nausea.
Diarrhea
: Some people experience gastrointestinal upset.
Constipation
: Some individuals may also experience constipation.
Stomach pain or discomfort
: Some people may experience abdominal pain or discomfort.
Reduced appetite
: This is often a desired effect for people using Ozempic for weight loss.
Indigestion
: Can cause a feeling of bloating or discomfort after eating.
Serious side effects can also include:
Pancreatitis
: In rare cases, Ozempic may increase the risk of inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis, which can cause severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Kidney problems
: There have been reports of kidney issues, including kidney failure, though this is uncommon.
Thyroid tumors
: There's a potential increased risk of thyroid cancer, although this risk is based on animal studies. It is not confirmed in humans, but people with a history of thyroid cancer should avoid Ozempic.
Vision problems
: Rapid changes in blood sugar levels may affect vision, and some people have reported blurry vision when taking Ozempic.
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
: Especially if used with other medications like sulfonylureas or insulin.
And if that wasn't bad enough, doctors say they have also seen 'life-threatening complications', including seizures, bowel obstruction and inflammation of the pancreas.
Model Lottie Moss, 27, even said
The makers of Mounjaro,
Advertisement
Lilly UK stressed: 'Regulatory agencies conduct extensive independent assessments of the benefits and risks of every new medicine and Lilly is committed to continually monitoring, evaluating, and reporting safety data.
'If anyone is experiencing side effects when taking any Lilly medicine, they should talk to their doctor or other healthcare professional.'
Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme -
Sun Club
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RTÉ News
2 hours ago
- RTÉ News
Jesy Nelson says she could not 'enjoy' her pregnancy due to health complications
Former Little Mix star Jesy Nelson has said she could not "enjoy" her pregnancy due to a string of health complications. The 34-year-old singer gave birth birth to twins Ocean Jade and Story Monroe in May, after documenting pregnancy complications on her social media including twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). According to the NHS, TTTS affects 10% to 15% of identical twins who share a placenta and "can have serious consequences". Speaking on ITV's This Morning, Nelson said: "I couldn't believe the percentages and what could potentially happen to them. "I almost felt like, from that point, I couldn't really enjoy my pregnancy because I was just constantly worried that something was going to happen. "I actually had a threatened miscarriage quite early on as well and from then I was like, I don't even want to announce it (the pregnancy). "When I think back to it now it makes me feel so sad because its like, when you're pregnant, that should be like the happiest time of your life." TTTS is caused by abnormal connecting blood vessels in the placenta which leads to an imbalanced blood flow from one twin to the other, leaving one with a greater blood volume than the other. One treatment involves using a laser to burn away the blood vessels in the placenta that are causing the unequal flow. Nelson said she was scanned weekly and monitored closely, but within a matter of days her symptoms had changed drastically and she had to undergo the emergency procedure. She said: "There were symptoms to look out for, it was like, if your belly gets really tight, like a drum, if you're struggling with your breathing. "And two days after my scan, we'd gone to the park, and I couldn't even walk because I was just so out of breath. But it's so hard when you're pregnant with twins as well, because what is normal and what's not? "I was just like, well, I've got twins, of course I'm going to be out of breath and of course my belly is going to be really tough, I am growing two humans. "And then it was thanks to Zion, actually, that I said to him, 'Can you feel my belly? Because I've actually got so used to feeling like this, I don't know what's normal any more'." The twins' father, musician Zion Foster, said: "It felt like overnight we literally went from pre-stage to like, you have to have the procedure now. And that procedure is not even guaranteed to work. And I think that was another thing that was terrifying." After spending more than 10 weeks in hospital after the procedure, Nelson gave birth to the twins 31 weeks and five days early on 15 May. The singer is best known as a former member of pop group Little Mix, rising to fame after winning The X Factor in 2011. The group, which included Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Perrie Edwards and Jade Thirlwall, were behind chart-topping singles including Cannonball, Shout Out To My Ex and Wings. Nelson left the band in December 2020 and has since released two songs as a solo artist – Boyz, which featured US rapper Nicki Minaj, in 2021 and Bad Thing in 2023. She will feature in a new Prime Video docuseries, Jesy Nelson: Life After Little Mix, which will follow her through her pregnancy and take a closer look at her decision to leave the girl group.
The Irish Sun
7 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Woman on Mounjaro warns people to ‘NEVER go cold turkey' after revealing brutal side effects when she had supply issues
A WOMAN has shared the brutally honest truth about what happened when she was forced to ''go cold turkey'' from Mounjaro. Content creator Freya has been using the Advertisement 3 The TikToker shared the brutally honest truth about being forced to 'go cold turkey' from Mounjaro Credit: tiktok/@freyatheblondieee 3 Freya revealed she was on 'a high dose' of the medication Credit: tiktok/@freyatheblondieee 3 Mounjaro is typically used to treat type 2 diabetes Credit: Getty However, in a recent post, the young TikToker revealed she had to temporarily stop the popular medication while waiting for a new pen to arrive — and the Mounjaro is regarded by some as the King Kong of weight loss jabs. Sun GP But despite this, the NHS warned: 'Never take an anti-obesity medicine if it has not been prescribed to you. Advertisement read more on weight loss "These types of medicines may not be safe for you and can cause serious side effects.' About half a million Brits use weight loss drugs - and the number is expected to double in the next year. The injections are licensed for patients with Advertisement Most read in Fabulous One jab is administered each week but the duration is dependent on someone's weight. 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 ''Take this as a sign to NEVER ''I would have done very sinister things for this burger. Advertisement ''My hunger is out of control - I want to punch everyone who is not food in the face.'' In the comments, Freya, who posts under the username @ 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. ''It's not by choice - I think drastically dropping is far too risky for Advertisement The TikToker also confirmed she had been on a ''high dose'' of the jab. Social media users react The brutally honest clip sparked over 600 comments left by fellow fat jab users - many of whom opened up about their experience of ''food noise''. ''Food noise'' is the term used to describe the near-constant stream of thoughts about eating that some people struggle to switch off. More often than not, this leads to cravings for calorie-dense, low-nutrient foods and episodes of Advertisement One wrote: ''I gained three stone in six months after I stopped it. Went to Turkey, had the [ Another chimed in: ''The hunger that comes after it is awful - I've put on a stone in six weeks. Waste of money.'' A third said: ''I forgot to order my jab in time and was a literal feral person. This made me laugh so much but equally terrified to come off.'' However, others pointed out that in their eyes medications like Mounjaro aren't a permanent fix - but rather tools to help users develop Advertisement One follower shared: ''I was absolutely starving when I came off it. ''Took so much willpower for a couple of weeks, but now I'm eating just like I was when I was on it. ''Lost three stone with Mounjaro and another two since stopping. You just have to push through until the Another said: ''Been off it three days and I'm definitely eating more. But this is where willpower comes in. I'll never be the 26 stone I was last year.'' Advertisement What are the other side effects of weight loss jabs? Like any medication, weight loss jabs can have side effects. Common side effects of injections such as Ozempic include: Nausea : This is the most commonly reported side effect, especially when first starting the medication. It often decreases over time as your body adjusts. Vomiting : Can occur, often in conjunction with nausea. Diarrhea : Some people experience gastrointestinal upset. Constipation : Some individuals may also experience constipation. Stomach pain or discomfort : Some people may experience abdominal pain or discomfort. Reduced appetite : This is often a desired effect for people using Ozempic for weight loss. Indigestion : Can cause a feeling of bloating or discomfort after eating. Serious side effects can also include: Pancreatitis : In rare cases, Ozempic may increase the risk of inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis, which can cause severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Kidney problems : There have been reports of kidney issues, including kidney failure, though this is uncommon. Thyroid tumors : There's a potential increased risk of thyroid cancer, although this risk is based on animal studies. It is not confirmed in humans, but people with a history of thyroid cancer should avoid Ozempic. Vision problems : Rapid changes in blood sugar levels may affect vision, and some people have reported blurry vision when taking Ozempic. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) : Especially if used with other medications like sulfonylureas or insulin. The reality of Mounjaro Although many have boasted about A probe also found that nearly 400 people have gone to hospital after taking The common side effects include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, which can lead to severe dehydration. And if that wasn't bad enough, doctors say they have also seen 'life-threatening complications', including seizures, bowel obstruction and inflammation of the pancreas. Advertisement Model Lottie Moss, 27, even said The makers of Mounjaro, Lilly UK stressed: 'Regulatory agencies conduct extensive independent assessments of the benefits and risks of every new medicine and Lilly is committed to continually monitoring, evaluating, and reporting safety data. 'If anyone is experiencing side effects when taking any Lilly medicine, they should talk to their doctor or other healthcare professional.' Advertisement
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Are you TATT and always losing your keys? The 4p supplement that could ‘cure' you – and 16 signs to watch for
MUSCLE weakness and fatigue. Forgetfulness and mouth ulcers. Blurred vision and balance issues. It can be easy to blame these vague, seemingly harmless symptoms on a hangover, 2 Thousands of Brits are deficient in vitamin B12, which can cause a range of symptoms Credit: Getty In the short-term, they may simply worsen slightly, or develop into You might find you But if left untreated for several years, it can lead to permanent nerve damage, infertility and an increased risk of stomach cancer and dementia. Here, experts reveal why vitamin B12 is so vital for our health, how to spot you might need more of it, and crucially, the easiest ways to get your levels back up to where they should be. WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT? 'IF you often feel unusually tired or forgetful, you might be low in vitamin B12,' Dr Naomi Newman-Beinart, nutritionist and chartered psychologist, tells Sun Health. 'This essential nutrient, that your body cannot make, plays a huge role in keeping our energy levels up, supporting our nervous system, and helping to make red blood cells. 'Unlike some other vitamins, B12 isn't something your body makes naturally, so we have to get it from our diet or, if necessary, a supplement. 'And while many of us are getting enough, there's a growing number of people in the UK who aren't, leading some experts to call B12 deficiency a 'silent pandemic'. 'I agree with this 100 per cent. 'Symptoms of B12 deficiency are often vague or mistaken for other things (like stress or aging), so some people may go undiagnosed for years or their symptoms may be assumed to be a result of different deficiencies or ailments.' To supplement or not- The top 10 vitamins and minerals that are vital for health - and the best sources for each one SIGNS YOU MIGHT BE DEFICIENT IT'S not known exactly how many people in the UK are deficient, but studies suggest between five and 10 per cent of the population isn't getting enough B12. This rises to 20 per cent in over-60s. 'This number is also likely to be higher among older adults and vegans,' Dr Newman-Beinart says. So how do you know if you're deficient? The best way is to get your levels checked at your GP surgery or local pharmacy. Doctors will usually recommend a blood test if you display any of the telltale symptoms. Since the body can't make B12, I recommend a good quality supplement Dr Naomi Newman-Beinart Dr Newman-Beinart says: 'Some of the key signs of B12 deficiency include fatigue, difficulty concentrating, mouth ulcers, a sore tongue, pins and needles in hands and feet, low mood, muscle weakness, and vision changes. 'These signs should be taken seriously and the best way to identify a deficiency is via a blood test with your GP.' According to the NHS, the full list of potential signs of a B12 deficiency includes: Rapid breathing or shortness of breath Loss of appetite Palpitations Problems with your vision Feeling weak or tired A sore or red tongue, sometimes with mouth ulcers Problems with memory, understanding and judgement (cognitive changes) Numbness Muscle weakness Psychological problems (mild depression, Problems with balance and coordination 2 Vitamin B12 supplements cost as little as 4p per pill Credit: Getty HOW MUCH DO WE NEED? ADULTS in the UK should get 1.5mcg of vitamin B12 per day, according to NHS guidelines. 'Although a varied and balanced diet should provide much of your vitamin and mineral intake, many people struggle to get the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for a number of reasons,' Dr Newman-Beinart says. 'This includes increasing age, eating a poor or limited diet, malabsorption due to drinking too much alcohol or gut problems (like coeliac or Crohn's disease), and having certain medical conditions or medications. 'Vegans are the most obvious group who would also be at risk of deficiency and would need to ensure that they eat fortified foods or take a supplement.' THE BEST NATURAL SOURCES OF B12 YOU can get some B12 from animal products, such as meat, fish, and dairy. 'Good courses of B12 include beef, chicken, eggs, salmon, sardines and milk,' Dr Newman-Beinart ( 'You will also find B12 in fortified foods like breakfast cereals and non-dairy milks, plus in vegan foods like nori and nutritional yeast.' Who is most at risk? ANYONE who doesn't hit the target B vitamin intake is at risk of complications - such as extreme tiredness, depression, birth defects, dementia and even cancer. But some people are more prone than others, according to Dr Harry Jarrett, head of science and research at supplement brand He says: 'The body cannot produce these fundamental nutrients and therefore, the main reason deficiencies arise is through inadequate intake from the diet or lack of supplementation. 'The primary food sources are animal and dairy products, so people unable to consume these foods, like those who are lactose intolerant or vegan, will have a much lower intake, leading to a greater risk of deficiency. 'Evidence also suggests that certain conditions may increase your risk, including alcoholism, diabetes and anorexia. 'However, a large proportion of the UK population are deficient, regardless of age and health status, and thus the deficiency pandemic is a population-wide problem.' HOW TO CHOOSE A B12 SUPPLEMENT BUT sometimes even eating these foods isn't enough. 'Since the body can't make B12, I recommend a good quality supplement,' Dr Newman-Beinart says. There are many on the market, from tablets to mouth sprays. For example: Boots Vitamin B12 180 Tablets ( Zooki Liposomal Vitamin B12 2500mcg Strawberry Flavour Liquid Sachets ( Superdrug Energy Vitamin B12 10ug ( BetterYou Boost Vitamin B12 Oral Spray ( Vitamin B12 1% Methylcobalamin Powder ( The best way to correct a serious deficiency is through B12 injections, which are available through your GP. POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS 'VERY concerning' NHS figures show anaemia caused by vitamin B12 or B9 (folate) led to 3,490 admissions in 2023/24 - up 400 per cent from 1998/99. Dr Newman-Beinart says : 'If left untreated, B12 deficiency symptoms can become more serious, especially when it comes to nerve damage and cognitive health. 'If the body doesn't have enough B12 over time, it can lead to serious complications like permanent nerve damage, memory loss, and even problems with heart health. 'In older adults, deficiency has also been linked to an increased risk of dementia, which is why early detection and treatment are so important. 'In fact, science shows that vitamin B12 can improve brain function in older people with vitamin B12 deficiency whether they have dementia or not so clearly B12 is vital for supporting a healthy brain.'
