Experts uncover hidden risks behind popular 'unlivable' weight loss injections

The path to weight loss is often challenging, appealing quick solutions hard to ignore.

In recent years, specific medical treatments have gained attention for their ability to help individuals shed weight and improve overall health.

While these options have been praised for their effectiveness, emerging reports suggest unexpected risks may raise concerns about their broader impact, including mental well-being.


The use of these drugs has skyrocketed, with an estimated half a million NHS patients in the UK and around 15 million in the US now using these injections.

While the physical benefits are clear, with some patients losing up to 20 per cent of their body weight, the psychological impact is becoming a growing concern.

Users have reported experiencing severe anxiety, panic attacks, and even mental health 'meltdowns' that they believe are directly linked to the injections.


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Weight loss injections are linked to panic attacks and increased anxiety. Credit: Carolina Rudah / iStock


The side effects of these drugs are varied and can range from mild to severe.

Commonly reported issues include nausea, abdominal pain, digestive problems, and bone pain.

However, it's the psychological effects that are raising alarms. Numerous patients have taken to social media and online forums to share their distressing experiences, seeking advice and support from others who may be going through similar ordeals.


One user of Mounjaro, which contains the active ingredient tirzepatide, expressed their struggle with anxiety so intense that they described it as 'unlivable.'

This sentiment was echoed by others, including a patient who reported that after just one week on Wegovy, they suffered from 'full-on anxiety attacks' in addition to physical side effects like nausea.

The issue gained further attention when actress and presenter Danielle Mason shared her harrowing experience with Mounjaro in a widely viewed social video.

She recounted how the injections caused such severe anxiety that she contemplated calling an ambulance, fearing for her life.

Mason's candid account highlighted the potential severity of the drug's impact on mental health.

In response to these concerns, the UK's medicines watchdog initiated an urgent safety review in 2023 to investigate the possible link between these weight loss jabs and suicidal thoughts and self-harm.


This review was prompted by reports from over a dozen patients who experienced such issues after starting the injections.

While suicidal thoughts are already listed as a potential side effect in the patient information leaflets, there are calls for more explicit warnings to ensure patients are fully aware of the risks before starting treatment.

Manufacturers of these drugs, such as Lilly UK for Mounjaro, urge patients to consult their healthcare providers regarding any side effects they experience.

It's crucial for individuals to have open and honest discussions with their doctors about the potential risks and to weigh them against the benefits.

Aside from the psychological effects, other side effects reported by patients include constipation, fatigue, stomach pain, headaches, dizziness, and even unusual symptoms like hair loss.

Moreover, there's a worrying trend of individuals, particularly slim women, who deceive online pharmacies by claiming they are too overweight to obtain these drugs, leading to unnecessary and potentially harmful treatments.


In the UK, the law prohibits the sale of such prescription drugs without a proper assessment by a medical professional.

Official guidelines state that only patients with a body mass index (BMI) over 35 with at least one weight-related health issue, or those with a BMI between 30 to 34.9 who meet the criteria for referral to a specialist weight management service, should be prescribed drugs like Wegovy.

For our readers considering or currently using weight loss injections, staying informed and vigilant about the potential side effects is essential.

Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new medication, and if you experience any adverse effects, particularly related to mental health, seek medical attention immediately.

Remember, while the prospect of rapid weight loss can be tempting, your overall well-being, including your mental health, should always take precedence.


Credit: YouTube

Key Takeaways
  • Weight loss injections such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, which contain semaglutide and tirzepatide, are reported to trigger panic attacks and worsen anxiety among some users.
  • Despite their effectiveness in significantly reducing body weight and the risk of heart attacks and strokes, these drugs may have wide-ranging side effects.
  • Patients and celebrities have shared personal accounts of severe anxiety and mental health issues they believe are linked to these weight loss jabs.
  • The UK's medicines watchdog has launched an urgent safety review into these drugs due to concerns over a potential link to suicidal thoughts and self-harm.
Have any of you had experiences with weight loss injections like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro? We'd love to hear your stories, whether they're about the benefits or the challenges you've faced. Please share your thoughts in the comments below, and let's support each other through our health journeys.
 

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