Man who lost six stone on Mounjaro warns of ‘horrible’ side effects no one mentioned
Antony Hawman was able to completely transform his body – but it wasn't without unpleasant side effects
A man has opened up on the brutal side effects he experienced while losing six stone on Mounjaro.
When combined with dietary changes and an active lifestyle, GLP-1 and GIP receptor drugs have allowed people who previously struggled with their weight to completely transform their body.
It was these viral success stories which led Antony Hawman to start using the medication.
"I decided I wanted to be healthier, which was the main aim," the 48-year-old, who is 6'1" and weighed 123kg (19.5 stone) at his heaviest, said.
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Antony's decision to use the drug wasn't only physical, as he also struggled with intense food cravings, adding: "I would think about food all the time and I’d use it as a crutch: if I was sad, I’d eat, if I was happy, I’d reward myself with food."
So when you factor in that Mounjaro slows down your digestion and can reportedly quieten the 'food noise' it seemed like a no-brainer for Antony.
The medication would provide major results for the business owner, allowing him to lose nearly 40kg (six stone) and going from an XL or XXL in July 2024, Antony is now a medium and wears a size 30 or 32 waist.
However it wasn't without horrible side effects.
A few months after beginning his Mounjaro journey, Anthony began to experience severe vomiting, diarrhoea and dehydration.
According to Mounjaro manufacturer Eli Lilly, the most common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and stomach pain. These symptoms can lead to dehydration and potential kidney problems if not properly treated.
"I moved up to 7.5mgs in my third month and had a pretty miserable weekend of chronic stomach pains, diarrhoea and dehydration," he recalled.
"It wasn’t until I did my research via some chat rooms on TikTok, where a woman in Texas, believe it or not, told me to go back down to 5mgs, get some electrolytes and a decent probiotic and stick with it as long as it was working and then decide whether to move up."
Antony reduced his dose and then started taking the probiotic Symprove daily, which has allowed his side effects to completely disappear. Despite the unpleasant side effects, Antony does not regret using Mounjaro and added that he wished he'd found the drug sooner.
"I was on hypertension drugs for hereditary hypertension and have been able to come down to the lowest level of medication from previously being on a cocktail of high doses, which truly is the best outcome," he added.
"As long as you do your research and understand how to nourish your body and take some form of exercise, Mounjaro is an incredible tool, but it’s just that, a tool.
"The best part is I have completely changed my mindset on food. I feel in control instead of it controlling me."
Brenna Cooper