What happens when coming off Mounjaro as woman issues warning to others following her experience

This is what you need to know about coming off Mounjaro as a woman has issued a warning after losing over six stone with the help of the weight loss drug.

Weight loss jabs are the new popular weight loss aid, and with around 1.5 million people in the UK already using these drugs, people are using the method to shed the pounds more now than ever.

After the Ozempic craze last year with celebrities, Mounjaro soon came up in the rankings of what people like to use, and while both are slightly different - with Ozempic not being approved for weight loss here in the UK - the end result is the same.

Mounjaro (tirzepatide), is a prescription-only medication for people with Type-2 diabetes in England.

Essentially, it lowers blood sugar levels and reduces appetite, so people feel fuller for longer and aren’t tempted to snack throughout the day. However, it has also been prescribed as a weight loss drug as GPs are now allowed to prescribe Mounjaro to 220,000 people with the 'greatest need'.

Mounjaro is now accessible through the NHS (Getty Stock Image)

So, if you have a BMI of over 40 and have at least four other health problems linked to obesity, you could also receive the treatment.

But while it may seem like an easy way to lose weight without risks, Ellen Ogley has issued a warning to those who choose to go down this route.

The mum-of-three, from Yorkshire, weighed 16st, 12lbs at her heaviest after being diagnosed with cervical and ovarian cancer.

During this time, the 42-year-old shared that she would eat takeaways and participate in binge drinking as a 'coping mechanism' for her situation.

But after being given the all-clear in 2023, she decided to lose the weight.

"I went to see a surgeon for a tummy tuck," she explained. "But I needed to lose three stone in order to have a tummy tuck and liposuction to get skinny."

Using intermittent fasting and a restricted diet, Ellen got down to 13st 10lbs.

Ellen Ogley, like many others, used Mounjaro to lose weight (SWNS)

Then, after a £10k tummy tuck treatment in February 2024, she wanted to shift more weight.

"I only lost 4lbs more after the tummy tuck. I was devastated," the nursery manager said.

That’s when she decided to try Mounjaro in May 2024, and began a cardio exercise workout plan for 22 weeks.

While it worked, allowing her to lose a further six stone, the mum stopped using the drug and was able to maintain herself at 10 stone. Having weaned herself off the drug, she was able to keep herself focused.

But what happens when you stop taking the drug?

According to Zava Med, a prescriber of Mounjarso, when you stop taking Mounjaro you may experience weight regain, blood sugar increase, appetite increase and a stop to any side effects.

She issued a warning to those who'll be using Mounjaro for weight loss (SWNS)

However, if you were previously experiencing side effects, you could also still experience them until the drug has left your system within 30 days. This could be stomach upset, nausea, vomiting or constipation.

The website advises to consult your doctor to figure out the best possible way to come off of the drug, and if there are issues, you may need a revised plan.

Even though Ellen has now managed to whip her mindset into shape and take on healthier habits so she wasn’t reliant on Mounjaro, she issued a warning to all that this isn’t a ‘quick fix’.

"If you’re using Mounjaro, don’t expect it to do the work for you", she explained. "It’s not a cure - it’s a kick-start.

"You still have to change your habits, your mindset, and how you treat your body. That’s what makes it last."

People who have been using mounjaro have to put in the hard work when they come off it (Peter Dazeley via Getty Images)

"I wanted to make sure I wasn't reliant on Mounjaro," Ellen added. "I used this as a tool. I've done so much work on damage limitation. I want to give others hope they can keep it off. I feel incredible."

Mounjaro's manufacturer, Eli Lilly and Company, told LADbible: "Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is authorised to be used for weight management ‘as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity in adults’ (i.e. it must be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity).

"Mounjaro should only be used when prescribed by a healthcare professional and prescriptions should be fulfilled and supplied by registered pharmacies and providers.

"It is important for patients to maintain a balanced diet and engage in regular physical activity to support overall health."